BX  8495  .C48  E38  1852 
Edwards,  John  Ellis,  1814- 
1891. 

Life  of  Rev.  John  Wesley 
Childs 


LIFE 


REV.  JOHI  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


Digitized  by 

the  Internet  Archive 

in  2014 

https://archive.org/details/lifeofrevjohnwesOOedwa_0 


LIFE 

OP 

REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS: 


FOR  TWENTY-THREE  YEARS  AN  ITINERANT 
METHODIST  MINISTER. 


BY 

REV.  JOHN  ELLIS  EDWARDS, 

OF  THE  VTROLNIA  CONFERENCE  OF  THE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH,  SOUTH. 


RICHMOND,  VA.,  AND  LOUISYHLE,  KY.: 
PUBLISHED   BY  JOHN  EARLY, 

FOR  THE  METHODIST  EPISCOPAL  CHURCH,  SOUTH. 

"'  1852." 


MAR  17  1998 


CM.  SE* 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1852,  by 
JOHN  EARLY, 

:  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  in  and  for  the  Eastern 
District  of  Virginia. 


STEREOTYPED  BY  1.  JOHNSON  4  CO. 
PHILADELPHIA. 


PRINTED  BY  SMITH  &  PETERS, 
Franklin  Buildings,  Sixth  Street  below  Arch,  Philadelphia. 


PREFACE. 


The  following  Biography  lias  been  prepared  at 
the  suggestion  of  the  friends  of  the  deceased,  and 
with  an  earnest  desire  to  do  good  by  its  publication. 
If  it  shall  meet  with  a  favourable  reception,  and  the 
publisher  shall  find  the  sale  of  it  profitable,  then  the 
widow  and  children  of  the  deceased  will  be  allowed  a 
suitable  remuneration  for  the  copyright.  Since  the 
sum  which  the  widow  will  receive  for  the  copyright 
depends  upon  the  sale  of  the  book,  we  hope  that  a 
generous  public  will  give  it  a  cordial  reception. 

The  author  has  no  interest  whatever  in  the  pro- 
ceeds of  the  sale ;  these  are,  in  part  at  least,  to 
accrue  to  Mr.  Childs's  family,  for  whose  benefit,  so 
far  as  a  pecuniary  consideration  is  concerned,  it  has 
been  prepared.  But  the  main  object  has  been  to  do 
good,  by  laying  before  the  public  the  life  of  one  of 
the  holiest  men  that  has  ever  lived. 

In  the  preparation  of  this  work,  the  author  has, 
in  some  instances,  been  at  a  loss  for  material  to 
supply  certain  connecting  links  in  the  chain  of 


G 


PREFACE. 


events  making  up  the  life  of  the  subject  of  this 
Memoir  ;  but  he  has  done  the  best  he  could  with  the 
materials  in  hand,  and  has  chosen  rather  to  present 
certain  portions  of  his  life  in  a  disjointed  manner, 
than  to  supply  the  connection  from  the  imagination, 
or  from  unsatisfactory  sources  of  information. 

The  author  takes  this  occasion  to  acknowledge  his 
indebtedness  to  Mrs.  E.  B.  Early,  of  Lynchburg, 
Virginia,  wife  of  the  Rev.  John  Early,  D.  D.,  for  her 
kindness  in  collecting  material  for  the  biography, 
and  in  arranging  Mr.  Childs's  correspondence  for 
publication. 

The  book  has  been  prepared  under  the  pressure 
of  bodily  afflictions,  and  amid  frequent  interruptions 
from  various  causes ;  but,  as  the  great  object  of  the 
author  has  been  to  do  good,  and  not  to  gain  celebrity 
in  authorship,  it  is  now  submitted  to  the  public  with- 
out any  other  concern  than  that  which  arises  from 
the  desire  that  it  may  prove  successful  in  the  mission 
on  which  it  is  sent. 

The  Author. 

Norfolk,  Virginia,  April  1,  1852. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  I. 

INTRODUCTORY. 

Advantages  of  biography — Especially  religious  biography — 
An  account  of  the  general  habits  of  Mr.  Childs — A  de- 
scription of  his  person  and  manners — Extract  of  a  letter 
from  Mrs.  Childs  rage  13 


CHAPTER  II. 

HIS  EARLY  BOYHOOD. 

His  birth — Parentage — Early  education — Habits  and  tem- 
per— Goes  to  Georgetown  to  live— Letter  from  Rev.  Wil- 
liam McKenney,  giving  an  account  of  him  while  an  inmate 
of  his  family — His  return  home   24 


CHAPTER  III. 

HIS  RESIDENCE  IN  RICHMOND. 

Goes  to  Richmond — Lives  with  William  Allison,  Esq. — His 
habits — Associates — Awakening — Conversion — Joins  the 
church — Extract  of  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Childs — Spiritual 
conflicts — Wellnigh  becomes  discouraged — Reconsecrates 
himself  to  God — Mrs.  Allison's  account  of  him — Painfully 
exercised  on  the  subject  of  preaching — Leaves  Rich- 
mond  32 

7 


8 


CONTENTS. 


/IAPTER  IV. 

RESIDENCE  IN  FAIRFAX  FROM  1822  TO  1827. 

Mr.  Childs's  attachment  to  Mr.  Allison  and  family — His 
health — Returns  to  Fairfax  county — Attempts  merchan- 
dising— Farming— Teaching  —  Fails  in  all — Unhappy  — 
Call  to  the  ministry — Painful  conflict  with  his  convictions 
of  duty — Obtains  a  license  to  exhort — Makes  a  round  on 
the  Calvert  circuit  with  his  father — Licensed  to  preach — 
Travels  Carlisle  circuit  part  of  the  year — Obtains  a  re- 
commendation to  the  Baltimore  Annual  Conference — Is 
received  and  transferred  to  the  Virginia  Conference,  and 
•     placed  on  the  Albemarle  circuit  Page  43 


CHAPTER  V. 

BRUNSWICK  AND  CAROLINE  CIRCUITS.     1828  AND  1829. 

Entrance  upon  his  work — His  reception — Close  preaching — 
Revival — Rev.  J.  G.  Claiborne's  account  of  his  habits, 
labours,  and  usefulness — Attends  Conference — Appointed 
to  Caroline  circuit — State  of  the  circuit — Letter  to  Mr. 
Claiborne — Death  of  his  father — Closes  his  labours  on  the 
circuit — Attends  Conference — Appointed  to  the  Mecklen- 
burg circuit   61 


CHAPTER  VI. 

MECKLENBURG  AND  GREENVILLE  CIRCUITS.     1830  AND  1831. 

Early  at  his  work — His  labour — Revival — Letter  to  Mr. 
Claiborne — His  habits  and  temper  of  mind — Influence — 
Successful  year — Goes  to  Conference — Is  appointed  to  the 
Greenville  circuit — Rev.  R.  G.  Bass  his  colleague — Walks 
round  his  circuit — His  reasons  for  it — Difficulties  on  the 
circuit — Attends  Conference — Is  appointed  to  the  Buck- 
ingham circuit   62 


CHAPTER  VII. 

BUCKINGHAM  CIRCUIT.  1832. 

His  activity  in  his  work — Fidelity  as  a  preacher — Troubled 
again  about  walking  and  preaching — Letter  to  his  presid- 
ing elder  on  the  subject — Letter  to  Rev.  R.  G.  Bass — His 
faithfulness  as  a  pastor — Sanctification— End  of  the  year 
— Attends  Conference,  and  appointed  presiding  elder  of 
the  Yadkin  district  


CONTENTS. 


9 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

YADKIN  DISTRICT.  1833. 

The  office  of  presiding  elder — The  Yadkin  district — Author's 
first  acquaintance  with  Mr.  Childs — His  attention  to  his 
work — Impression  he  made  on  the  district — Troubled  in 
mind  about  walking  and  preaching — Letter  to  Miss  Rives 
— Letter  to  Mr.  Bass — Great  revival — Camp-meetings — 
A  thrilling  anecdote — Extracts  from  his  Diary — Letter  to 
Mr.  Bass — Diary — Anecdote — Increased  earnestness  upon 
the  subject  of  sanctification — Close  of  the  year — Trip  to 
Lynchburg,  Va. — Thence  to  Richmond — Thence  to  Raleigh 
— Conference — Returned  to  the  district — Goes  to  Lynch- 
burg— Extract  from  his  Diary  on  the  day  of  his  mar- 
riage  Page.  80 

CHAPTER  LX. 

Correspondence  with  Miss  Martha  S.  Rives — His  mar- 
gin   ion 


CHAPTER  X. 

SALISBURY  DISTRICT.  1834. 

Returns  to  his  district — Diary — Narrow  escape  of  himself 
and  wife — Letter  to  Mrs.  E. — His  labours — Revivals — 
Letter  to  his  wife — Diary — Attack  of  illness — End  of  the 
year — Leaves  his  wife  and  child  for  Conference — Ap- 
pointed to  the  Amherst  circuit — Review  of  his  labours  as 
a  presiding  elder   140 


CHAPTER  XI. 

AMHERST  ASD  AMELIA  CIRCUITS.     1835  AND  1836. 

Returns  to  North  Carolina  for  his  family — Goes  to  his  circuit 
— Letter  to  his  wife — Diary — Circuit  labour — Visit  to  Al- 
bemarle circuit — Old  friends — Extracts  from  his  diary — 
Close  of  the  year — Attends  Conference — Anecdote — Ap- 
pointed to  Amelia  circuit — Repairs  to  his  appointment — 
Letter  to  Mr.  Bass — His  own  experience — State  of  the 
circuit — A  subject  that  gave  him  trouble — Letter — Thinks 
of  a  transfer  to  another  Conference — Attends  Conference 
— Sent  to  Prince  Edward  circuit  


10 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

PRINCE  EDWARD  CIRCUIT.      1837  AND  1838. 

Failure  to  get  a  transfer — Reception  on  his  circuit — Fall 
from  his  horse — Injury — How  he  bears  it — Confined  seve- 
ral weeks — Diary — Letters — Great  revival  commences — 
Anecdote — Always  about  his  Master's  work — Attends 
Conference — Returned  to  Prince  Edward  circuit — Letter 
to  Mr.  Bass — Religious  experience  unsatisfactory  to  him- 
self— Year  closes — Mr.  Bass's  death — Detained  from  Con- 
ference—Mr. Redd's  recollections  of  Mr.  Childs  —  Ap- 
pointed to  the  Bedford  circuit  Page  1G6 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

BEDFORD  CIRCUIT.  1839. 

Goes  to  the  circuit — Letter  to  his  wife — Troubled  again 
upon  the  "  old  subject" — Letter  explanatory  of  his  course 
— Afilictions — His  ministry  not  crowned  with  great  suc- 
cess— Closes  the  year — Goes  to  Conference — Assigned  to 
the  Chesterfield  circuit   181 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

CHESTERFIELD  CIRCUIT.     1840  AND  1841. 

Reception— The  circuit — State  of  his  mind— Work  of  revival 
commences — Death  of  his  brother — 300  Souls  converted 
— Attends  Conference  —  Returned — Letter  to  Mrs.  E. — 
Labours  through  the  year — Rev.  Staunton  Fields's  recol- 
lections of  Mr.  Childs  —  Attends  Conference  —  Sent  to 
Cumberland  circuit   186 


CHAPTER  XV. 

CUMBERLAND  CIRCUIT.     1842  AND  1843. 

Goes  to  his  circuit — Parsonage— Letter— State  of  the  work 
— His  own  Soul — Another  letter — Year  expires — Confer- 
ence— Return  —  Letter  —  His  labours — Recollections  of 
Mr.  Childs  by  Rev.  John  M.  Saunders  — Conference  — 
Appointed  to  Nottoway  circuit   193 


CONTENTS. 


11 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

NOTTOWAY  AND  CAMPBELL  CIRCUITS.     1844  AND  1845. 

Rather  dissatisfied — Old  difficulties — Determines  to  go  to 
another  Conference — Letter — Division  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church — Leaves  the  circuit — Singular  provi- 
dence— Detained  in  Lynchburg — Sickness  of  his  family — 
Letter — Abandons  the  idea  of  removal — Conference — Ap- 
pointed to  the  Campbell  circuit — Year's  labours — Con- 
ference—Sent to  the  Bedford  circuit  Page  203 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

BEDFORD  CIRCUIT.     1846  AND  1847. 

His  Field  of  Labour — Extracts  from  his  Correspondence — 
No  extensive  revival — Conference  —  Return  —  His  pecu- 
liar views  —  End  of  the  year  —  Recollections  by  Rev. 
J.  D.  Blackwell  —  Conference  —  Appointed  to  Brunswick 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

BRUNSWICK  CIRCUIT.     1848  AND  1849. 

Removes  his  family  to  the  parsonage  at  Lawrenceville — Is 
pleased  with  his  appointment — Old  friends — Sickness  in 
his  family — Unabating  zeal  —  Conference  —  Returned — 
Letter  to  Mrs.  E. — The  work  of  the  Lord  revives — Carries 
his  daughter  to  college — Letter  to  her — The  work  of  the 
Lord  progresses — Other  letters  to  his  daughter — Year 
draws  to  a  close — He  regrets  to  leave  the  circuit — Strong 
attachments — Conference — Appointed  to  Gloucester  cir- 
cuit— Further  recollections  by  Rev.  J.  G.  Claiborne   221 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

GLOUCESTER  CIRCUIT.  1850. 

Leaves  Lawrenceville  —  Starts  to  Gloucester — Leaves  his 
family  on  the  way — Letter  to  his  daughter — Letter  to 
Mrs.  E. — Visits  the  circuit  to  prepare  for  the  reception 
of  his  family — Letter  to  his  wife — Difficulty  in  procuring 
a  suitable  parsonage — Removes  to  the  circuit — Rapid  de- 
velopment of  consumption — Unable  to  preach — Confined 


12 


CONTENTS. 


at  home  —  Reflections — Winter  passes  away — Prepara- 
tions to  go  to  Norfolk — Rev.  James  E.  Joyner's  letter — 
Arrives  in  Norfolk. — Carried  to  his  brother's — Medical 
attention — Conversations — Resignation— Closing  scene — 
Remains  carried  to  Lynchburg — Funeral  discourse  by 
Rev.  G.  W.  Langhorne— Burial  Page  232 


CHAPTER  XX. 

CONCLUSION. 

General  reflections  on  his  life  and  character — Suggestions 
as  to  the  use  that  should  be  made  of  his  life — Further 
recollections  by  Mrs.  Early — Conclusion   253 


LIFE 

OF 

REY.  JOM  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

INTRODUCTORY. 

Advantages  of  biography — Especially  religious  biography — An  account 
of  the  general  habits  of  Mr.  Childs — A  description  of  his  person  and 
manners — Extract  of  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Childs. 

Biography  is  attracting  a  very  large  share  of  atten- 
tion in  the  present  day.  Some  of  the  best  writers  of  the 
age  have  devoted  their  pens  to  this  department  of  litera- 
ture. The  illustrious  dead  of  past  generations  have  been 
summoned  again  u  the  stage  of  life,  to  teach  the  living 
by  their  example,  to  instruct  V  their  wisdom,  and  to 
warn  by  their  errors.  This  is  well.  It  is  meet  that  the 
principles,  the  sayings,  and  the  recorded  sentiments  of 
the  departed  should  be  rescued  from  the  wave  of  time 
that  bears  them  to  oblivion,  and  preserved  in  such  a  form 
as  shall  render  them  sources  of  useful  instruction  to  fu- 
ture generations.  It  admits  of  a  doubt  whether  any  de- 
partment of  literature  is  exerting  so  great  an  amount  of 
influence  upon  the  formation  of  character,  as  biography. 
The  young  are  fond  of  the  lives  of  those  who  have  dis- 
tinguished themselves  in  the  cabinet,  the  field,  the  forum, 
the  studio,  and  the  pulpit.    There  is  no  class  of  books 


14 


LIFE  OF  THE 


sought  after  with  greater  avidity,  or  read  with  greater 
eagerness,  than  memoirs,  remains,  biographical  sketches, 
and  extended  lives  of  those  not  unknown  to  fame.  Thou- 
sands of  the  youths  of  our  own  and  of  other  lands  have 
been  stimulated  to  vigorous  effort,  in  their  exertions  to 
obtain  an  education,  by  the  example  of  a  Franklin.  Men 
of  letters  and  science  have  been  nerved  for  study  by  the 
recorded  habits  of  thought  and  investigation  of  a  Newton 
and  a  Leibnitz.  Ambitious  young  men  have  been  urged 
forward  in  the  pursuit  of  military  fame  by  the  lives  of 
such  men  as  Washington,  Alexander,  Bonaparte,  and  Tay- 
lor. While  thousands  upon  thousands,  in  the  church, 
have  felt  the  influence  of  the  published  biographies  of 
such  men  as  the  sainted  Fletcher,  the  learned  Whitby, 
the  pious  Henry,  and  the  critical  Dr.  Adam  Clarke,  in 
leading  them  to  a  moro  patient  study  of  the  Holy  Scrip- 
tures, and  to  more  laborious  and  self-sacrificing  efforts  to 
make  known  to  the  world  the  rich  and  inexhaustible  trea- 
sures of  knowledge  contained  in  the  sacred  word.  There 
is  yet  another  class  of  persons  whose  lives  have  exerted 
a  still  more  widely  extended  influence  upon  the  great 
masses  of  the  miuistry  and  laity  of  the  church,  and  upon 
the  world,  than  any  yet  mentioned.  We  allude  to  such 
men  as  Henry  Martyn,  Brainerd,  Legh  Richmond,  Car- 
vosso,  David  Stoner,  Harlan  Page,  Samuel  Hick,  and  John 
Howard ;  and  such  women  as  Mrs.  Fletcher,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Fry,  Sarah  Martin,  and  others  of  a  similar  typ-1  of  charac- 
ter, whose  lives  have  led„Vrnuieds  of  thousands  of  men 
and  women  to  habits  of  closer  communion  with  God,  to 
plans  of  more  extended  usefulness,  and  to  more  indomi- 
table energy  and  untiring  zeal  in  their  labours  for  the 
universal  diffusion  of  gospel  light  and  truth  in  all  the 
world. 

The  benefits,  therefore,  resulting  from  biography  can  be 
neither  few  nor  small.  The  State  derives  advantages  from 
the  lives  of  wise  and  far-seeing  statesmen,  whose  views  of 
state  policy  are  enlarged  and  sound,  and  from  the  biogra- 
phies of  able  and  profound  jurists,  who  have  devoted  the 
study  of  many  years  to  the  intricacies  of  the  law.  The 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


15 


higher  departments  of  literature  derive  henefit  from  the 
life-pictures  of  men  eminent  for  learning,  drawn  by  skilful 
hands.  In  a  word,  all  the  departments  of  society  embraced 
in  the  learned  professions,  the  mechanical  arts,  the  com- 
mercial and  agricultural  pursuits  of  life,  receive  immense 
benefit  from  biography.  Lessons  of  patience  under  pain- 
ful reverses  of  fortune;  lessons  of  courage  in  the  midst 
of  appalling  difficulties  and  discouragements ;  lessons  of 
resignation  under  bereavement,  and  lessons  of  fortitude 
under  the  trials  and  dangers  incident  to  our  probation  in 
this  world,  may  all  be  learned  from  the  histories  of  those 
who  have  trod  the  path  of  life  before  us. 

While  it  is  profitable  and  proper,  therefore,  that  the 
lives  of  men  should  be  preserved  for  the  benefit  of  the 
State,  and  for  the  advancement  of  learning,  and  for  the 
improvement  of  the  arts,  it  is  especially  proper  that  they 
should  be  imbodied  in  a  permanent  form  for  the  benefit 
of  the  church.  The  lives  of  great  reformers  have  their 
use,  such  as  Luther,  Knox,  and  Wesley;  the  lives  of 
learned  theologians,  such  as  Arminius,  Calvin,  Stackhouse, 
Watson,  Hall,  and  Dwight;  the  lives  of  able  and  eloquent 
preachers  and  expounders  of  the  word  in  the  pulpit,  such 
as  Bascom,  Chalmers,  MeCheyne,  Summerfield,  and  others 
of  the  same  class.  But  still  there  is  that  other  class  of 
persons  referred  to  above,  whose  lives  are  no  less  valuable 
to  the  church  than  those  to  whom  we  have  just  alluded. 
We  mean  that  class  of  men  and  women  who  may  rather 
be  denominated  good  and  useful  than  learned,  brilliant, 
and  profound.  They  are  found  in  the  laity  as  well  as  in 
the  ministry  of  all  the  churches.  They  are  such  as  have 
been  eminent  for  piety,  for  faith  and  good  works ;  such 
as  have  displayed  more  than  ordinary  zeal  for  the  promo- 
tion of  God's  cause  on  earth ;  such  as  have  thought  but 
little  of  themselves,  humble,  laborious,  experimental  Chris- 
tians, who  have  made  the  world  better  for  having  had  a 
residence  in  it.  While  the  lives  of  others  may  have  a 
tendency  to  make  great  men,  these  have  a  tendency  to 
make  good  and  useful  men.  These  latter  send  out  an  in- 
fluence for  God  and  his  cause,  all  along  the  quiet,  seques- 


16 


LIFE  OF  THE 


tered  walks  of  life.  There  is  a  more  suitable  adaptation  in 
the  modes  of  thinking,  habits  of  life,  and  style  of  expres- 
sion in  this  class  of  persons  to  the  great  masses  of  society, 
than  in  any  other.  There  is  a  sympathy  and  a  fellowship 
of  feeling  and  sentiment  peculiarly  favourable  to  useful- 
ness. Eternity  alone  can  reveal  the  extent  of  the  good 
accomplished  by  the  lives,  actual  and  written,  of  such  men 
of  God. 

We  maintain  that  not  only  the  lives  of  ministers  of  the 
class  to  which  we  now  refer,  but  the  lives  also  of  many  of 
the  lay  members  of  our  churches,  sbould  be  written  and 
preserved  for  the  benefit  of  the  church.  The  Bible  sanc- 
tions it.  It  contains  a  record,  brief,  to  be  sure,  of  the  ex- 
traordinary piety  of  those  who  occupied  the  humble  walks 
of  life.  These  are  preserved  as  models  for  our  imitation. 
They,  being  dead,  yet  speak.  No  more  valuable  contribu- 
tion can  be  made  to  our  Sabbath-school  and  religious  cir- 
culating libraries  than  the  religious  biographies  of  active, 
useful,  and  deeply  pious  members  of  the  church.  No  one 
can  even  conjecture  what  amount  of  good  would  result 
from  the  written  every-day  walk  and  conversation  of  too 
many  who  are  permitted  to  pass  away  without  any  lasting 
memorial  of  their  exalted  worth.  The  life  of  a  single 
faithful  class-leader  might,  at  this  time,  produce  the  hap- 
piest results  among  the  membership  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  It  is  hoped  that  the  thoughts  to  which 
we  have  given  utterance  may  draw  the  attention  of  the 
cburch  more  fully  to  this  subject. 

We  have  taken  in  hand  to  lay  before  the  reader  the 
life  of  one  of  the  holiest  and  purest  men  that  it  has  ever 
been  our  good  fortune  to  know.  We  will  not  say  that  he 
was  without  an  infirmity  or  imperfection.  What  mortal 
ever  was  ?  But  his  whole  life  was,  perhaps,  as  free  from 
those  blemishes  which  ordinarily  mar  the  symmetry  and 
beauty  of  the  characters  of  the  best  of  men,  as  any  man's 
who  has  lived  in  modern  times — nay,  perhaps,  in  any  age 
of  the  world.  This  is  saying  a  great  deal.  It  may,  in- 
deed, startle  the  reader  who  has  heard  but  little  or  nothing 
of  the  man  whose  life  we  are  about  to  write.    But  hold, 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


17 


till  his  life  and  the  end  of  his  life  are  before  you,  and  then 
say  whether  we  have  made  an  exaggerated  or  unwarranted 
statement.  In  the  examination  of  his  life  and  character, 
we  shall  be  especially  struck  with  the  singular  consistency 
of  his  conduct  with  his  acknowledged  principles  of  action  ; 
and  icith  the  extreme  and  scrupulous  conscientiousness 
of  the  man,  in  every  act  of  his  life,  both  great  and  small. 
We  shall  see  that  the  Bible  was  his  rule  of  conduct  in 
every  thing ;  and  that  he  was  always  willing  sooner  to  give 
up  the  dearest  objects  of  his  affections,  or  to  suffer  any 
privation  of  life,  than  to  consent,  for  a  moment,  to  any 
thing,  however  trivial  it  might  appear  to  others,  which  his 
own  conscience  disapproved  or  he  believed  the  word  of 
God  condemned.  ■ 

It  was  a  privilege  of  no  ordinary  value  to  enjoy  his  ac- 
quaintance and  society ;  for  no  one  could  long  be  in  his 
company  without  feeling  the  influence  of  his  piety.  His 
manner,  conversation,  and  spirit  were  eminently  adapted 
to  impress  the  mind  of  every  one  with  the  conviction  that 
he  had  been  with  Jesus. 

Rev.  John  Wesley  Childs  was  an  extraordinary  man; — 
not  in  mental  endowments;  not  in  the  highest  gifts  of 
eloquence  and  oratory;  not  in  varied  and  erudite  scholar- 
ship ;  nor  was  he  what  is  commonly  called  a  genius; — and 
yet  he  was  a  most  remarkable  man.  Remarkable  for  his 
deep  and  influential  piety ;  for  his  habitual  communion 
with  God;  for  his  profound  humility;  for  his  self-denial 
and  devotion  to  his  Master's  work ;  and  especially  for  his 
consistency  and  conscientiousness.  We  repeat,  that  he  was 
the  most  scrupulously  conscientious  man  we  have  ever 
known ;  and  we  very  much  doubt  whether  any  one  ever 
obeyed  the  behests  of  the  inward  monitor  with  more  uni- 
formity than  did  this  singularly  good  man.  In  all  things 
he  laboured  "  to  keep  a  conscience  void  of  offence  towards 
God  and  man."  And  in  the  development  of  his  history, 
we  shall  find  a  number  of  incidents  and  facts  illustrative 
of  this  trait  of  his  character. 

Some,  we  doubt  not,  will  be  disposed  to  think  that  he 
carried  his  conscientious  scruples  too  far — that  he  was 


IS 


LIFE  OF  THE 


tender  and  careful  in  relation  to  some  things  which  should 
not  have  been  dignified  with  the  importance  which  he  at- 
tached to  them.  But  it  will  be  seen  that  he  could  not 
have  been  happy  had  he  not  obeyed  the  dictates  of  his 
own  conscience. 

There  were  some  things  in  relation  to  which  he  differed 
from  his  brethren  in  the  ministry ;  and  yet  he  always  en- 
tertained the  kindest  feelings  towards  those  with  whom  he 
differed.  He  was  firm  in  the  maintenance  of  his  opinions, 
but  never  lost  sight  of  the  respect  that  was  due  to  an 
adversary. 

He  was,  for  the  most  part,  a  silent  member  of  the  con- 
ference ;  and  yet  he  was  always  in  his  place,  and  never 
inattentive  to  the  business,  even  in  the  detail  of  the  pro- 
ceedings. There  he  sat,  solemn  and  serious,  with  his 
memorandum  in  his  hand,  carefully  noting  down  every 
thing  of  interest ;  but  scarcely  ever  spoke  a  word  on  any 
question  of  debate. 

Mr.  Childs  left  a  good  impression  wherever  he  went. 
In  every  family  which  he  visited  he  left  behind  him  an 
influence  that  told  happily  upon  the  lives  of  the  inmates. 
There  was  something  in  his  meek  and  affectionate  manner, 
and  even  in  the  tone  of  his  voice,  that  never  failed  to  im- 
press every  one  who  was  thrown  in  contact  with  him.  His 
presence  often  excited  a  kind  of  awe  and  reverence  in  the 
minds  of  all  who  knew  any  thing  of  his  manner  of  life. 

There  have  been  but  few  men,  in  any  age  of  the  church, 
who  have  regularly  spent  as  much  time  in  private  devotion 
as  did  Mr.  Childs.  We  have  no  means  of  ascertaining 
certainly  how  many  hours  of  each  day  he  ordinarily  spent 
in  secret  prayer,  accompanied  with  the  reading  of  the 
Scriptures;  but  we  have  often  been  with  him  when  we 
have  noticed  something  like  the  following  order  in  his  de- 
votions for  several  days  in  succession,  and  we  have  been 
informed  by  those  who  knew  him  best,  that  it  was  the  uni- 
form course  and  habit  of  his  life.  We  have  known  him  to 
rise  at  four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  partially  make  his 
toilet,  and  then  take  his  Bible  and  kneel  at  a  chair  near  a 
table  or  stand  on  which  his  light  was  placed,  and  there 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILD8. 


10 


continue  in  earnest  secret  prayer  for  a  considerable  length 
of  time,  becoming  occasionally  very  much  engaged  and  ex- 
cited. Then  he  would  open  his  Bible  and  read,  taking  the 
Scriptures  in  regular  order,  every  few  moments  audibly 
asking  God  for  light  upon  the  Divine  word.  Sometimes 
he  would  take  Mr.  Wesley's  notes,  a  copy  of  which  ho 
always  had  at  hand,  and  consult  them  upon  the  portions 
of  Scripture  before  him.  And  thus  he  would  continue 
until  he  had  gone  through  his  allotment  of  chapters  for 
the  morning.  Then  he  would  again  engage  in  silent,  se- 
cret prayer,  spending  altogether  from  one  to  two  hours  in 
this  exercise.  He  would  then  arise  from  his  knees,  finish 
his  toilet ;  after  which  he  usually  made  his  entry  in  his 
private  diary,  generally  writing  from  six  to  ten  or  a  dozen 
lines.  He  would  then  return  to  his  private  devotions  for 
a  short  time ;  after  which  he  arose  from  his  knees  and 
commenced  his  regular  course  of  study  or  reading  for  the 
day,  which  he  pursued  till  he  was  called  to  family  prayers. 
He  ordinarily  remained  with  the  family  then  till  break- 
fast, conversing  on  some  profitable  subject :  after  breakfast 
he  immediately  retired  to  his  room,  where  he  spent  a  while 
in  private  prayer,  rarely  ever  less  than  fifteen  or  twenty 
minutes,  and  very  often  at  least  half  an  hour.  Then  again 
he  went  to  his  books,  or  to  his  writing,  which  he  pursued, 
with  occasional  intermissions  for  prayer,  till  time  to  go  to 
his  appointment ;  not,  however,  without  first  praying  with 
the  family  in  which  he  was  staying.  On  his  way  to 
church,  when  his  time  would  allow  it,  he  would  frequently 
stop  at  houses  upon  the  road,  step  in,  speak  to  the  family 
on  the  subject  of  religion,  and  propose  "  a  word  of  prayer." 
Kneeling  down,  he  would  sometimes  pray  with  great  fer- 
vour and  power,  and  often  leave  the  grateful  and  astonished 
family  bathed  in  tears,  pronouncing  blessings  upon  the 
kind  stranger,  who  seemed  to  have  so  much  of  the  spirit 
of  that  Divine  Being  who  "went  about  doing  good."  On 
his  arrival  at  the  church,  if  in  a  forest,  he  usually  retired 
to  some  secluded  and  quiet  spot,  beneath  the  overarching 
trees,  where  he  spent  a  short  time  in  prayer  before  going 
into  the  place  of  public  worship.    He  then  conducted  the 


20 


LIFE  OF  THE 


services,  scarcely  ever  failing  to  give  an  invitation  to 
seekers  of  religion  to  designate  themselves  as  such  ;  and  if 
any  were  present,  he  always  spent  some  time  with  them  in 
singing  and  prayer,  and  often  rejoiced  over  their  conver- 
sion before  he  left.  At  the  close  of  the  services  he  would 
*go  home  with  the  person  who  seemed  to  need  him  most; 
and  when  dinner  was  over,  he  usually  proposed  to  unite 
with  the  family  in  prayer  around  the  table ;  and  there  he 
poured  out  his  soul  in  thanksgivings  for  the  mercies  re- 
ceived, and  in  earnest  supplications  for  the  favour  of  God 
to  the  family ;  and  very  often,  on  such  occasions,  he  would 
pray  for  each  member  of  the  family  by  name,  asking  for 
them  such  blessings  as  their  various  ages,  circumstances, 
and  relations  in  life  seemed  to  indicate  they  needed  most. 
He  would  then  retire  to  his  room  and  spend  from  fifteen 
minutes  to  half  an  hour  in  private  prayer,  accompanied 
with  the  reading  of  a  few  passages  of  the  Scriptures.  And 
then  again,  about  the  time  of  the  evening  twilight,  in  the 
holy  calm  and  hush  of  that  serene  and  silent  hour,  he 
always  spent  some  time  in  secret  calling  upon  God.  This 
seemed  to  be  the  period  in  which  he  most  enjoyed  his  de- 
votions. Sometimes  his  full  soul  would  overrun  with  holy 
joy,  which  he  could  not  suppress;  and  heaven  itself,  at 
such  times,  "seemed  let  down  with  a  strange,  bewildering 
splendour"  around  him,  in  these  sweet  and  hallowed  mo- 
ments of  communion  with  God.  Directly  after  supper  and 
family  worship,  he  usually  retired  to  his  room,  where  he 
spent  his  time  till  nine  o'clock — which  was  his  hour  for 
sleep — upon  his  knees,  in  prayer  and  reading  the  Scrip- 
tures. This  was  his  uniform  course  of  life.  When  he 
spent  a  whole  day  in  the  same  family,  he  generally,  in  ad- 
dition to  the  morning  and  evening  family  worship,  called 
together  the  members  of  the  family  about  the  house,  and 
conducted  prayer  about  the  middle  of  the  day.  It  is  fairly 
to  be  presumed  that  he  spent  at  least  from  three  to  four 
hours  of  each  day  upon  his  knees  in  private  devotion,  in 
additiou  to  the  public  prayers  which  he  held  in  the  church 
and  in  families.  He  fasted  every  Tuesday  and  Friday  of 
each  week ;  and  very  often  abstained  from  animal  food  for 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


■J  I 


several  months  together.  He  rarely  ever  indulged  in  des- 
sert; always  wore  cheap  and  plain  clothing,  and  was  scru- 
pulously careful  that  his  family  should  not  indulge  in  the 
fashions  or  amusements  of  the  world.  He  was  crucified  to 
the  world.  He  was  dead  to  the  world.  Nothing  that  he 
conceived  to  be  wrong  was  ever  suffered  to  pass  in  his 
presence  without  a  suitable  reproof.  This  he  always  took 
care  to  administer  in  the  mildest  and  kindest  manner;  but 
still  with  such  a  spirit  as  fastened  it  upon  the  conscience. 
Gayety  of  apparel,  and  especially  decorations  of  the  person, 
he  never  spared.  He  talked  many  a  ring  from  the  fingers 
of  worldly-minded  professors  of  religion,  and  stripped  many 
a  bonnet  of  its  artificial  flowers.  He  has  even  been  known 
to  refuse  to  distribute  the  elements  to  communicants  at 
the  Lord's  table  until  they  would  remove  the  rings  from 
their  fingers.  And  yet  the  subjects  of  his  reproofs  were 
but  seldom,  if  ever,  offended  with  him.  His  own  life  was 
so  consistent,  while  his  manner  of  reproof  was  so  affection- 
ate, and  so  full  of  the  words  which  the  Holy  Ghost  teach- 
eth,  that  no  one  could  easily  resist  his  appeals  under  reproof. 
He  often  made  persons  fall  out  with  themselves — rarely 
ever  with  him. 

In  person,  Mr.  Childs  was  a  good-looking  man.  He  was 
full  six  feet  in  height,  large  frame,  and  well  proportioned ; 
rather  light  complexion  ;  black  eyes,  and  dark  hair.  His 
abstemious  habits  and  delicate  health  gave  him,  for  the 
most  part,  a  pale  and  rather  cadaverous  face.  There  was, 
indeed,  a  singular  and  remarkable  expression  of  counte- 
nance. It  was  that  expression  with  which  pure  thoughts, 
deep  spiritual  meditation,  and  holy  communion  with  God 
invest  "  the  human  face  divine."  It  was  something  rather 
unearthly.  Every  one  was  struck  with  the  sanctity  and 
heavenly-mindedness  of  that  face.  He  stood  erect;  and 
in  the  pulpit  he  was  always  solemn — deeply  solemn.  His 
appearance  in  that  sacred  place  never  failed  to  impress  a 
congregation.  His  voice  was  slender,  and  yet  strong. 
In  pathetic  appeal  the  tones  were  peculiarly  touching. 
His  gait  was  serious,  and  yet  not  slow  or  sluggish.  What- 
ever he  did,  he  performed  with  his  might.   He  was  always 


22 


LIFE  OF  THE 


employed;  never  triflingly  employed.  He  observed  me- 
thod in  every  thing.  He  possessed  pleasant  social  quali- 
ties ;  but  scarcely  ever  spent  more  than  an  hour  at  a  time 
in  company.  He  indulged  sparingly  in  anecdote;  and, 
although  he  frequently  smiled,  he  rarely  ever  laughed. 
His  apparel  was  always  very  plain,  but  exceedingly  neat. 
With  him,  "cleanliness  was  next  to  godliness."  He  was 
even  in  his  temper,  and  was  never  excited  on  any  subject 
except  the  subject  of  religion. 

We  have  thus  introduced  to  the  reader  in  advance,  and 
of  design,  a  general  view  of  the  life  and  character  of  the 
man  whose  biography  we  are  about  more  fully  and  in  de- 
tail to  submit  to  the  public.  Some  may  have  taken  up  the 
impression,  from  what  we  have  stated,  that  he  was  slightly 
tinged  with  asceticism ;  others  that  he  was  "  righteous 
over  much ;"  while  others  may  be  ready  to  regard  him  as 
an  enthusiast.  Let  us  calmly  examine  his  life  in  the  light 
of  his  own  motives  and  intentions,  and  suspend  judgment 
in  the  premises  until  we  shall  have  seen  the  close.  One 
who  knew  him  best,  the  pious  and  devoted  partner  of  six- 
teen years  of  his  life,  thus  speaks  of  him — "  I  can  say, 
after  sixteen  years'  acquaintance  with  him,  he  came  nearer 
being  a  perfect  man  than  any  one  I  ever  saw.  Since  his 
departure,  I  have  reviewed  his  life  in  every  relation,  and 
compared  it  with  the  requirements  of  God's  word,  and,  so 
far  as  I  can  see,  it  comes  up  to  those  requirements  in  every 
respect."  In  another  letter  she  writes  as  follows : — "Af- 
ter our  marriage,  he  frequently  told  me  that  if  he  ever 
seemed  to  neglect  me,  not  to  attribute  it  to  any  want  of 
affection ;  for,"  says  she,  "  when  engaged  in  his  work, 
every  thing  else  was  lost  to  his  mind;  so  great  was  his 
desire  to  be  found  of  God  as  a  faithful  workman.  I  have 
often  been  with  him  at  his  meetings,"  she  continues,  "  when 
his  arrangements  would  be  made  to  leave  as  soon  as  the 
services  were  over,  for  the  neighbourhood  of  his  next  ap- 
pointment. But  he  would  seem  to  forget  all,  and  labour 
on  until  four  or  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  without  re- 
spite or  refreshment.  He  seemed  to  forget  that  he  was 
mortal.    I  have  sometimes  ventured  to  tell  him  he  ought 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CH1LDS. 


23 


to  take  some  rest.  His  reply  invariably  was,  tNot  till  I  rest 
in  the  grave.'  During  the  last  two  years  of  his  life, 1  have 
often  thought  he  seemed  to  be  trying  to  see  how  much  he 
could  crowd  into  each  hour.  He  preached  more,  fasted 
more,  and  visited  more.  As  to  reading  and  prayer,  when 
at  home,  there  was  no  room  for  amendment;  for  his  life 
was  prayer.  He  was  never  moved  in  spirit  by  any  of  the 
incidents  connected  with  domestic  affairs.  If  at  any  time 
any  thing  disagreeable  occurred,  he  instantly  resorted  to 
prayer.  There  was  ever  that  same  meek  and  quiet  spirit 
at  home  as  abroad.  A  kinder  husband  or  father  never 
lived."  Such  is  the  testimony  of  one  who  was  intimately 
acquainted  with  his  private  walks,  and  who  knew  more 
of  his  habitual  spirit  and  temper  than  any  other  person 
living. 

From  the  foregoing  glances  at  his  life,  the  reader  will 
be  prepared  for  the  further  and  more  minute  details  of  his 
history,  developing  more  fully  his  extraordinary  devotion 
to  the  cause  of  Christ;  his  unceasing  and  superabundant 
labours ;  his  unabating  zeal  for  the  salvation  of  souls ;  his 
rigid  self-denial;  his  deadness  to  the  world;  his  singular 
confidence  in  the  providence  of  God,  and  his  uniform  con- 
sistency till  the  end  of  his  days.  The  Lord,  of  his  mercy, 
grant  that  the  perusal  of  the  following  pages  may  be  made 
a  blessing  to  the  reader. 


24 


LIFE  OF  THE 


CHAPTER  II. 

HIS  EARLY  BOYHOOD. 

His  birth — Parentage — Early  education — Habits  and  temper — Goes  to 
Georgetown  to  live — Letter  from  Rev.  William  McKenney,  giving 
an  account  of  him  while  an  inmate  of  his  family — His  return  home. 

John  Wesley  Childs  was  born  in  Calvert  county, 
Maryland,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1800.  He  was  the 
third  son  of  the  Rev.  John,  and  Margaret  Childs,  both  of 
whom  were  deeply  pious  and  active  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  His  father  was  a  travelling 
minister  in  connection  with  the  Baltimore  Conference  at 
the  time  of  his  marriage ;  but  within  a  year  or  two  there- 
after he  located,  and  turned  his  attention  to  farming,  which 
he  pursued  until  1816,  when  he  was  readmitted  into  the 
conference  and  continued  to  travel  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  in  1829.  He  was  a  man  of  sterling  piety,  and 
of  useful  gifts  as  a  minister  of  our  holy  religion.  Mrs. 
Childs's  maiden  name  was  Adams.  She  was  of  an  old  and 
influential  Methodist  family  of  Fairfax  county,  Virginia. 
Her  father,  the  Rev.  Wesley  Adams,  was  one  of  the  first 
Methodists  in  that  part  of  the  country,  and  was,  for  many 
years,  a  local  minister  of  high  respectability  and  extensive 
usefulness.  Two  or  three  of  his  sons  sustained  the  same 
relation  to  the  church ;  one  of  whom,  though  far  advanced 
in  years,  is  still  labouring  as  a  minister  in  one  of  the 
Southern  States.  Mrs.  Childs  was  a  woman  of  fine  sense, 
and  was  remarkable  for  her  self-sacrificing  spirit  and  deep 
devotion  to  the  cause  of  God.  As  a  mother,  she  under- 
stood her  duty  and  responsibility;  and  most  constantly 
and  untiringly  did  she  labour  to  discharge  the  whole  mea- 
sure of  obligation  devolving  upon  her  in  this  relation  of 
life.  Never  was  a  child  blessed  with  better  parents  than 
was  the  subject  of  this  biographical  sketch. 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  GUILDS. 


25 


In  the  year  1802,  while  John  Wesley  was  but  an  infant, 
his  father  moved  to  Fairfax  county,  in  the  State  of  Vir- 
ginia, where  he  continued  to  carry  on  his  farming  opera- 
tions, still  exercising  his  ministerial  function  as  circum- 
stances seemed  to  demand.  His  children  were  brought 
up  on  the  farm,  in  habits  of  industry  and  economy.  But 
amid  the  temporal  cares  which  necessarily  occupied  the 
parent's  mind,  the  spiritual  welfare  of  his  children  was 
never  forgotten.  He  did  not  permit  himself  to  be  so  en- 
grossed with  the  questions  "  What  shall  we  eat,  and  what 
shall  we  drink,  and  wherewithal  shall  we  be  clothed  ?"  as 
to  disregard  the  higher  claims  which  his  family  had  upon 
him  for  spiritual  provision.  Morning  and  evening  the 
whole  household  were  summoned  around  the  family  altar, 
and  a  portion  of  time  was  consecrated  to  religious  services. 
The  reading  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  pinging  the  praise  of 
God,  and  prayer,  formed  the  devotional  exercises  in  family 
worship.  In  the  absence  of  the  father,  the  mother  or  some 
other  member  of  the  family  conducted  the  services.  What- 
ever else  was  neglected,  domestic  worship  was  not;  nor 
was  it  passed  over  hastily  and  carelessly,  but  with  becom- 
ing solemnity  as  in  the  presence  of  God,  and  with  direct 
reference  to  his  glory  and  the  salvation  of  the  family. 

In  the  year  1810,  Mrs.  Childs  died,  and  left  the  entire 
parental  oversight  of  the  children  to  the  father.  Most  of 
the  children,  however,  were  at  that  time  grown  up  to  ma- 
turity ;  so  that  the  burden  was  comparatively  light.  And 
so  well  instructed  were  the  daughters  in  household  duties, 
that  they  were  prepared  at  once  to  take  the  management 
of  the  younger  children  and  of  domestic  affairs  in  their 
own  hands. 

At  an  early  age,  John  Wesley  commenced  his  element- 
ary education  under  the  tuition  of  his  uncle,  the  licv. 
Wesley  Adams,  at  that  time  a  local  minister  in  the  Me- 
thodist Episcopal  Church;  Under  the  instruction  of  this 
holy  and  amiable  man,  the  moral  feelings  of  the  lad  were 
properly  developed  as  well  as  his  intellect.  The  exercises 
of  the  school  were  opened  and  closed  with  prayer.  The 
Bible  was  the  principal  text-book.  God  was  acknowledged 


26 


LIFE  OF  THE 


in  all  things.  And,  as  might  naturally  be  expected,  tho 
influence  of  this  teacher  was  great  with  his  pupils.  Espe- 
cially was  it  so  with  the  meek  and  gentle  little  Wesley. 
He  saw  every  thing  in  his  pious  uncle  to  admire  and  imi- 
tate. His  mind  was  susceptible  of  impressions  from  such 
an  example  ;  and  till  the  day  of  his  death  he  had  occasion 
to  thank  God  for  so  judicious,  godly,  and  exemplary  a 
guide  and  instructor  of  his  youth.  We  entertain  no  doubt 
that  the  extraordinary  cast  of  his  life  took  complexion  from 
those  more  than  ordinarily  pious  persons  with  whom  ho 
was  surrounded  in  his  boyhood ;  and  perhaps  no  one  did 
more,  by  the  quiet  but  irresistible  force  of  example,  to  give 
proper  direction  to  the  current  of  thought  and  feeling  which 
ran  through  his  whole  history,  than  did  the  man  who  had 
charge  of  his  early  training  in  letters. 

At  the  early  age  of  twelve  or  thirteen  years,  his  father 
sent  him  to  live  with  the  llev.  William  McKenney,  at  that 
time  an  extensive  merchant  in  Georgetown,  in  the  District 
of  Columbia. 

Up  to  this  period  of  his  life,  the  only  thing  worthy  of 
note  is  the  habitual  seriousness  and  gravity  that  charac- 
terized his  deportment.  He  indulged  but  sparingly,  if  at 
all,  in  the  ordinary  amusements  and  sports  of  boys  of  his 
age.  He  seemed  to  prefer  the  society  of  persons  beyond 
his  years,  and  always  manifested  a  singular  interest  in  re- 
ligious subjects.  He  has  often  been  heard  to  say  that  he 
never  disobeyed  his  parents  in  any  thing,  great  or  small, 
and  that  he  never  knowingly  uttered  a  falsehood.  Strange 
to  say,  he  was  exceedingly  fond  of  his  Bible  at  this  tender 
age,  a  copy  of  which  he  always  kept  at  hand.  His  bro- 
thers, who  were  of  a  less  sedate  turn  of  mind  than  himself, 
jecringly  called  him  a  preacher,  while  he  was  but  a  boy; 
but  this  neither  irritated  him  nor  caused  him  to  change 
his  course  of  conduct.  He  prayed  as  regularly  as  any 
Christian,  and  was  as  attentive  to  the  preaching  of  the 
word  and  other  religious  duties  as  if  he  had  been  a  mem- 
ber of  the  church. 

The  llev.  William  McKenney  is  still  alive,  and  is  at 
present  a  chaplain  iu  the  United  States  Navy.    In  answer 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CniLDS. 


•27 


to  a  letter  addressed  to  him,  asking  for  a  written  statement 
of  his  recollections  of  the  spirit,  temper,  habits,  &c.  &c.  of 
John  Wesley,  while  he  lived  in  his  family,  we  have  the 
following,  which  cannot  fail  to  interest  the  reader : — 

Norfolk,  Virginia. 

Dear  Brother  : — Your  letter  requesting  me  to  furnish 
you  with  such  incidents  in  the  life  of  the  late  John  Wesley 
Childs  as  I  might  be  able  to  remember,  while  he  was  an 
inmate  of  my  family  in  his  boyhood,  has  been  received. 
But  so  many  years  have  elapsed  since  he  was  temporarily 
under  my  care,  and  so  many  changes,  storms,  and  tem- 
pests, on  the  land  and  on  the  deep  blue  sea,  have  over- 
taken me  since  that  time,  that  I  am  almost  sure  my  remi- 
niscences of  him  will  be  imperfect  and  very  few.  However, 
.such  as  I  can  re-collect,  by  brushing  up  my  memory,  are 
at  your  service. 

Brother  Childs  came  from  a  good  stock — a  family  well 
known  and  highly  appreciated  for  their  deep-toned,  experi- 
mental, and  practical  piety.  The  father  was  a  faithful 
minister  of  the  gospel  in  connection  with  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church ;  and,  although  his  talents  were  not 
adorned  with  the  tinsel  of  modern  rhetorical  flourish,  they 
were  exactly  of  that  order  which  suited  the  people  and  the 
times,  and  enabled  him  to  portray,  in  the  simplicity  of 
gospel  sincerity,  the  leading  cardinal  doctrines  of  our  holy 
religion — repentance  towards  God,  and  faith  in  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ;  the  regenerating  power  of  the  Holy  Ghost, 
aud  a  life  of  practical  piety.  The  mother,  so  far  as  I  can 
recollect,  was  all  that  such  a  husband  could  ask — deeply 
pious,  unassuming,  faithful  in  all  her  duties — strong  •  in 
her  attachments,  and  truly  devoted  to  the  best  interests  of 
her  husband  and  children.  Indeed,  father  and  mother, 
husband  and  wife,  seem  to  have  caught  and  retained  the 
spirit  of  their  near  neighbour  and  still  nearer  relation,  the 
llev.  W.  Waters — a  man,  a  Christian,  and  a  minister  of 
unsurpassed  excellence.  This  holy  man  was  amoug  the 
first  native  American  Methodists ;  and  was,  no  doubt,  of 
incalculable  service  to  the  truly  apostolic.  Bishop  Asbury 


28 


LIFE  OP  THE 


in  his  sublime  efforts  to  train  up  a  people  and  a  church  in 
these,  then  called,  western  wilds,  upon  the  platform  and 
model  of  the  primitive  apostolic  churches.  How  well  he 
succeeded  we  all  know ;  and,  although  it  may  seem  a  little 
out  of  the  way,  I  will  state,  for  the  sake  of  its  truth,  so  far 
as  it  goes,  that  a  leading,  prominent,  and  distinguished 
minister  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal  Church,  in  the  city 
of  New  York,  said  to  me,  in  his  own  house,  probably  eigh- 
teen years  ago,  "  Your  church,  sir,  is  certainly,  in  regard 
to  your  manner  of  employing  your  ministers,  sending  them 
out  in  pairs,  or  two  and  two,  more  apostolic  than  any  other 
church."  Might  he  not  have  admitted,  with  equal  truth, 
that  the  doctrines  and  discipline  of  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church  are  equally  as  apostolic  as  her  manner  of  em- 
ploying ministers  ?  All  this,  however,  by  the  way. 

Often  has  it  been  my  privilege  to  hear  Father  Waters, 
even  after  age  had  so  obscured  his  vision  that  he  could  not 
distinguish  in  his  congregation  the  features  of  his  most 
beloved  and  intimate  friends,  pouring  forth,  in  strains  of 
deep,  impassioned,  and  scriptural  eloquence,  the  fullness 
of  his  soul,  while  explaining,  enforcing,  and  glorying  in  the 
precious  doctrines  of  the  cross — salvation  by  faith,  holiness 
of  heart,  and  integrity  of  life.  Unlike  too  many  ministers 
of  modern  date,  who  too  often  aim  at  great  things  and 
make  great  displays  of  oratorical  flourish  ;  who  elevate  the 
cross  of  Christ  to  make  themselves  the  more  conspicuous; 
and  who,  as  a  necessary  consequence,  utterly  fail,  and  leave 
their  hearers  as  barren  of  spiritual  comfort  as  the  withered 
fig-tree  was  of  fruit — he  never  failed.  He  always  hit  the 
nail  on  the  head,  and  drove  it  home.  He  always  fed  his 
flock  with  the  richest  gospel  food.  The  babe  in  Christ, 
the  young  men  and  fathers,  had  each  his  suitable  portion 
in  due  season.  He  was  always  ready,  and  always  good ; 
so  that  it  was  commonly  said  of  him,  "He  is  real  bacon  anal 
callage,"  a  dish  well  known,  and  not  lightly  esteemed,  in 
the  South,  and  one  always  in  season  and  at  hand. 

Can  it,  then,  be  a  matter  of  surprise  or  wonder  that  one 
so  favoured  as  was  our  lamented  brother  Childs,  with  such 
parents  as  his  were,  and  such  a  patriarchal  leader  and  guide 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CMLDS. 


29 


of  the  whole  neighbourhood  and  family  circle  as  Father 
Waters,  should  have  been  a  youth  of  more  than  ordinary 
sedatcness,  humility,  and  fidelity  ?  lie  was  well  trained, 
and  that  training  received  the  impress  of  permanent  at- 
tachment to  all  the  beauties  of  truthfulness,  simplicity  of 
manners,  obedience  to  parents,  and  reverence  for  age,  from 
the  preaching  and  example  of  his  venerable  uncle,  Father 
Waters. 

When  young  Wesley  Childs  became  an  inmate  of  my 
family,  I  resided  in  Georgetown,  District  of  Columbia,  and 
was  largely  engaged  in  mercantile  operations.  My  high 
respect  for  his  parents  and  deep  veneration  for  his  uncle, 
although  I  did  not  need  his  services,  induced  me  to  take 
him  into  my  counting-room.  How  long  he  remained  with 
me  I  cannot  now  remember ;  though  I  never  shall  forget, 
that,  during  the  whole  time  he  was  with  me,  his  conduct 
was  without  reproach.  He  was  always  cheerful,  obedient, 
and  faithful ;  and  was,  without  doubt,  one  of  the  most 
scrupulously  conscientious  youths  I  ever  saw.  I  never  had 
cause,  as  well  as  I  now  remember,  to  give  him  one  single 
rebuke.  He  was  treated  by  myself  and  family  as  one  of 
our  own  children,  and  most  tenderly  and  affectionately  did 
he  return  our  love.  During  the  time  he  stayed  with  me, 
I  was  rearing  one  of  my  younger  brothers.  Wesley  and 
he  were  like  David  and  Jonathan.  My  brother  was  lively 
and  cheerful ;  and,  like  others  of  his  age  and  temperament, 
was  quite  fond  of  what  boys  still  call  fain.  There  was 
nothing,  however,  in  his  sportive  sallies  approximating  vice. 
He  loved  a  good  joke,  and  so  did  Wesley,  who,  with  all 
his  natural  demureness,  would  now  and  then  venture  to 
crack  one ;  and  whenever  he  did  so,  it  was  well  done.  In 
the  family  circle,  as  I  have  already  intimated,  Wesley 
was  all  that  could  be  expected  or  desired  for  one  of  his 
age.  He  was  a  regular  attendant  on  the  public  ministry 
of  the  word,  and  was  equally  prompt  in  his  attendance  on 
domestic  worship  around  my  family  altar.  He  indulged 
in  no  pleasure-trips  on  the  Sabbath,  except,  to  him,  as  it 
will  always  be  to  all  loving  and  dutiful  children,  the  very 


30 


LIFE  OF  THE 


great  pleasure  of  an  occasional  visit  to  Lis  parents,  distant 
about  seven  miles  from  Georgetown. 

At  the  time  the  city  of  Washington  and  the  District  of 
Columbia  were  attacked  by  the  British  army  and  navy  in 
1814,  under  the  command  of  General  lloss  and  Admiral 
Cockburn,  I  was  engaged,  as  an  officer  of  the  district  mili- 
tia, in  aiding  to  make  the  necessary  preparations  to  resist 
the  threatened  attack  upon  our  national  capital  and  the 
firesides  of  our  families,  and  was  necessarily  much  absent 
from  my  family  and  business.  My  store  was  left  in  the 
hands  of  my  brother  and  young  Wesley ;  and  faithfully 
did  they  watch  my  property  and  interests  until  the  disas- 
trous results  of  the  final  encounter  with  the  enemy,  which 
left  the  city  and  Georgetown  at  their  mercy.  They  then, 
sharing  in  the  general  panic  of  the  citizens,  fled,  as  they 
supposed  for  their  lives,  into  Fairfax  county,  taking  with 
them,  among  other  moneys,  a  ten-dollar  bank-note,  which 
I  had  laid  aside  as  counterfeit.  This,  with  other  moneys 
in  their  possession,  they  spent  in  settling  up  any  business 
in  their  hands.  I  mention  this  for  a  special  reason,  which 
you  will  presently  see.  When  the  militia  of  the  District 
were  mustered  out  of  the  United  States'  service,  I  found 
my  business  so  deranged  and  broken  up,  that  I  at  once 
determined  to  close  my  store ;  consequently  I  had  no  need 
of  any  other  assistance  than  I  could  command  in  my  own 
family.  Hence,  my  young  friend  was  not  called  back. 
He,  however,  often  visited  me,  and  was  always  received 
with  every  mark  of  kindness  and  affection.  The  impres- 
sions made  upon  my  mind  by  his  amiable  and  upright 
conduct  while  he  was  with  me  have  never  been  effaced, 
and  never  will.  I  loved  him  as  a  lad ;  I  have  loved  him 
ever  since,  till  the  day  of  his  death,  as  a  man,  a  Christian, 
and  a  Christian  minister. 

Having  removed  from  the  District  of  Columbia  in  1824, 
I  had  lost  sight  of  Wesley.  Several  years  thereafter,  I 
was  most  agreeably  and  unexpectedly  surprised  in  meeting 
my  former  young  friend  in  this  city,  a  full-grown  man, 
and  a  faithful  minister  of  the  Gospel.  Whether  at  this 
interview  or  a  subsequent  one,  I  do  not  now  remember,  I 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


81 


found  the  mind  of  Brother  Childs  somewhat  troubled,  and 
he  was  not  long  in  letting  me  know  the  cause.  It  seems 
that  he  had  often  been  troubled  about  the  supposed  coun- 
terfeit ten-dollar  bank-note  which  he  and  my  brother  had 
spent  at  the  time  and  under  the  circumstances  referred  to 
above.  He  had  often  thought  of  it,  and  had  ever  felt  the 
greatest  anxiety  to  repair  the  damage  to  the  injured  person 
to  whom  it  was  passed.  "  Tell  me  what  I  shall  do  V  said 
he.  "  What  shall  you  do  V  said  I ;  "  why,  if  you  can  fiud 
the  injured  person  to  whom  it  was  passed,  or  any  of  his 
'  kith  or  kin/  who  has  suffered  thereby;  or,  that  being,  in 
all  human  probability  impossible,  if  you  can  find  any  ■per- 
son who  received  the  note  for  its  supposed  full  value,  it 
might,  in  that  case,  be  your  duty  to  replace  it  by  a  genu- 
ine note.  But  as  I  think  this  about  as  impossible  as  it 
would  be  for  you  to  find  a  needle  lost  thirty  years  ago  in 
one  of  your  father's  wheat-stacks,  I  advise  you  to  banish 
the  subject  from  your  mind,  and  rest  content  with  a 
consciousness  of  your  integrity  in  the  sight  of  God." 
This  will  serve  to  show  the  extreme  sensitiveness  of  his 
conscience,  even  from  his  youth.  You  may  feel  at  liberty 
to  make  any  use  of  these  recollections,  very  imperfectly 
thrown  together,  that  you  may  deem  proper. 
With  high  esteecm, 

I  am  truly  yours,  in  Christian  bonds, 

W.  McKenney. 

The  above  impresses  us  favourably  with  the  early  boy- 
hood of  the  subject  of  this  biography.  His  habitual  mild- 
ness, his  docile  spirit,  his  affectionate  disposition,  and  his 
extreme  conscientiousness  are  all  apparent.  And  as  the 
germ  contains  the  future  plant  in  embryo — or,  as  the  un- 
developed bud  contains  the  miniature  flower  which  is  to 
expand  and  bloom  in  fragrance  and  beauty — so  do  we  see 
the  man  in  the  boy  : — 

"  The  child  is  father  of  the  man." 

He  remained  at  his  father's  several  months  after  leaving 
Georgetown.    He  was  young,  and  the  unsettled  state  of 


32 


LIFE  OF  THE 


the  country  seemed  to  shut  him  up  to  the  farm.  But  the 
delicacy  of  his  physical  constitution,  which  seemed  to  dis- 
qualify him  for  agricultural  pursuits,  led  his  father  to  look 
out  for  him  some  other  situation  in  life.  What  he  should 
do  was  difficult  to  determine.  The  foot  of  the  invader 
was  still  on  our  shores ;  the  blast  of  the  war-trumpet  was 
still  echoing  in  the  land ;  the  roar  of  artillery  was  still 
heard  upon  the  field  and  booming  over  the  waters ;  but 
as  hostilities  began  to  cease,  and  the  pulse  of  commerce 
began  again  to  throb,  there  was  an  opening  for  young 
Wesley  to  enter  a  business-house  in  the  city  of  Richmond, 
Virginia.  The  father  did  not  long  hesitate  in  placing  him 
in  this  situation.  His  residence  in  Richmond,  with  its 
attendant  incidents,  will  form  the  subject  of  the  next 
chapter. 


CHAPTER  III. 

HIS  RESIDENCE  IN  RICHMOND. 

Goes  to  Richmond — Lives  with  William  Allison,  Esq.- — Tlis  habits — 
Associates — Awakening— Conversion — Joins  the  church — Extract  of 
a  letter  from  Mrs.  Chikls — Spiritual  conflicts — Wcllnigh  hccomes  dis- 
couraged— Reconsecrates  himself  to  God — Mrs.  Allison's  account  of 
him — Painfully  exercised  on  the  subject  of  preaching — Leaves  Rich- 
mond. 

Near  the  close  of  the  last  war  with  Great  Britain,  in 
the  year  1814,  the  late  William  Allison,  Esq.,  commenced 
business  in  Richmond  as  a  China  merchant.  Previous  to 
his  removal  to  Richmond,  he  was  engaged  in  mercantile 
pursuits  in  the  town  of  Alexandria,  in  the  District  of  Co- 
lumbia; and  during  his  residence  in  this  latter-named 
place,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Childs,  father  of  Wesley,  had  made 
his  acquaintance.  He  knew  him  to  be  a  man  of  active, 
industrious  business  habits,  a  man  of  unshaken  integrity, 
and  a  man  of  solid  and  genuine  piety.    He  therefore  did 


REV.  JOnN  WESLEY  cim/ns. 


33 


not  hesitate  a  moment,  when  the  opportunity  offered,  to 
place  his  son  under  his  care,  and  in  his  employment.  Mr. 
Allison  had  a  partner  in  business  who  was  an  irreligious 
and  worldly-minded  man ;  but  it  was  understood  that 
young  Wesley  was  to  be  especially  under  the  charge  of 
Allison  ;  that  he  was  to  board  with  him,  and  associate  with 
him  as  a  companion.    All  this  was  settled  in  advance. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1814,  young  Wesley  made 
his  preparations  to  leave  the  parental  roof  again,  to  enter 
upon  a  new  sphere  of  action.  It  was  not  without  a  strug- 
gle that  he  tore  himself  away  from  his  mother's  grave  and 
from  all  the  fond  and  cherished  endearments  of  home. 
He  was  next  to  the  youngest  of  the  sons;  and  from  his 
kiud  and  affectionate  disposition,  his  amiable  and  docile  spi- 
rit, he  had  become  the  pet  of  the  family.  His  sisters  were 
devoted  to  him,  aud  almost  idolized  him;  his  father  loved 
him,  and  his  brothers  and  young  companions  were  ten- 
derly attached  to  him.  It  was,  therefore,  a  painful  thing 
for  them  to  give  him  up,  and  it  was  no  less  painful  for 
him  to  leave  the  home  of  his  youth  and  the  scenes  of  his 
childhood.  But  his  father  was  then  making  arrangements 
to  enter  again  the  travelling  ministry;  his  brothers  and 
sisters  were  beginning  to  scatter  and  settle  in  life;  the 
family  connections  were  breaking  up ;  and  it  was  necessary 
for  him  to  begin  to  prepare  more  fully  for  the  active  and 
responsible  duties  that  awaited  him.  He  repaired  to  llich- 
mond,  according  to  previous  arrangements,  and  entered 
immediately  upon  business,  as  a  salesman  in  Mr.  Allison's 
store. 

In  Mr.  Allison  he  found  a  kind  and  judicious  friend 
and  counsellor.  He  made  every  allowance  for  his  inex- 
perience; fully  appreciated  his  strict  conscientiousness, 
aud  did  all  that  lay  in  his  power  to  advance  his  spiritual 
as  well  as  his  temporal  welfare. 

Mr.  Allison  was,  at  that  time,  an  unmarried  man,  and  he 
therefore  made  John  Wesley  his  associate  and  companion. 
They  ate  together,  slept  together,  walked  and  conversed  to- 
gether, and  were  almost  inseparable.  Mr.  Allison  was  a  man 
of  uniform  and  consistent  piety,  and,  as  might  be  antici- 


34 


LIFE  OF  THE 


pated,  he  was  constantly  making  a  deep  religious  impression 
upon  the  mind  and  heart  of  his  youthful  friend.  The  gentle- 
man who  was  in  business  with  Mr.  Allison,  being  an  irreli- 
gious man,  and  somewhat  averse  to  religion,  was  not  at  all 
prepared  to  appreciate  the  conscientious  scruples  of  young 
Ohilds.  He  regarded  his  extreme  tenacity  for  truth  and 
his  exact  honesty  in  selling  goods  as  mere  affectation  and 
an  over-scrupulous  morality.  The  whole  was  but  foolish 
fastidiousness  in  his  estimation.  The  consequence  was, 
he  became  an  eyesore  to  this  member  of  the  firm.  This, 
however,  did  not  affect  the  conduct  of  Mr.  Allison  toward 
the  youth ;  nor  did  it  in  the  least  change  the  habitually 
strict  deportment  of  the  young  man  himself.  It  was  a 
matter  of  settled  principle  with  him,  even  before  his  con- 
version, "to  deal  justly"  with  men,  and  at  all  hazards  to 
preserve  a  good  conscience  in  the  sight  of  God.  He  would 
a  thousand  times  sooner  have  sacrificed  his  situation  than 
have  surrendered  this  point.  He  was  always  attentive 
to  business.  Rising  at  an  early  hour,  wasting  no  time  in 
frivolous  amusements,  devoting  his  attention  untiringly  to 
the  interests  of  his  employers,  he  won  the  confidence  and 
esteem  of  Mr.  Allison,  and  commanded  the  reluctant  re-' 
spect  of  bis  partner  in  trade.  He  was  cautious  in  select- 
ing his  associates.  Living  as  he  did  in  a  city  where  he 
was  constantly  surrounded  with  idlers  ever  ready  to  lead 
the  unwary  from  the  paths  of  virtue,  he  studiously  avoided 
their  company.  He  remembered  the  early  lessons  of  a 
sainted  mother,  the  parting  advice  of  his  father,  and  care- 
fully restrained  his  feet  from  the  destructive  haunts  of 
vice.  Fortunately  for  him,  there  were  then  living  in 
llichmond  two  young  men  who  were  equally  circumspect 
in  their  deportment  and  careful  as  to  their  society  as  him- 
self. They  still  live.  Both  of  them  are  extensive  mer- 
chants— one  in  Petersburg,  and  the  other  in  llichmond, 
Virginia — men  who  are  worthy  of  any  age,  of  any  coun- 
try, and  of  any  church — men  who,  in  the  "  sere  and  yellow 
leaf"  of  life,  are  still  reaping  the  fruits  of  their  early 
habits,  in  the  elevated  positions  which  they  occupy  in  the 
church  of  God,  and  in  the  communities  in  which  they  re- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


35 


spcctively  live.  We  allude  to  D'Arcy  Paul  and  Samuel 
Putney.  The  subject  of  our  biography  was  fortunate 
enough  to  have  these  young  men  for  his  associates  and 
companions  in  his  youth,  and  precisely  at  that  period  of 
life  and  under  those  circumstances  when  he  most  stood  in 
need  of  such  associates.  And  these  men  now  boar  the 
highest  testimony  to  the  probity  and  integrity  of  John 
Wesley  Childs  at  this  part  of  his  history. 

We  have  no  means  of  ascertaining  at  what  period  of  his 
life  he  first  became  concerned  upon  the  subject  of  his  soul's 
salvation.  It  is,  however,  fairly  to  be  presumed  that  he 
scarcely  knew  himself.  He  was,  from  his  earliest  recol- 
lections, convinced  of  the  truth  of  religion,  and  also  of  its 
necessity  to  make  one  happy  in  this  life  and  in  the  life  to 
come.  He  had  seen  its  effects  upon  the  lives  of  many  of 
his  nearest  and  dearest  friends  and  relatives.  He  had  wit- 
nessed its  power,  when  but  a  child,  in  the  triumphs  of  his 
mother's  closing-scene  on  earth.  There  was  no  particular 
time  to  which  he  could  revert,  at  which  he  received  his 
convictions  of  the  indispensable  necessity  of  religion.  He 
was  no  skeptic.  He  believed  the  Bible,  and  was  well 
instructed  in  it  from  his  childhood.  Every  sermon  he 
heard  upon  the  subject  of  conversion  deepened  the  impres- 
sions upon  his  mind,  and  he  was  constantly,  in  his  own 
way,  seeking  to  be  a  Christian.  Pride,  he  has  often  been 
heard  to  say,  was  his  besetting  sin.  He  was  fond  of  dress, 
and  was  exceedingly  particular  as  to  his  personal  appear- 
ance. And  yet,  such  was  his  habitual  demeanour,  and 
such  the  apparent  meekness  of  his  disposition,  that  scarcely 
any  one  would  have  suspected  him  of  being  proud.  Mr. 
Putney  and  Mr.  Paul,  however,  who  were  most  intimate 
with  him  at  the  time  of  which  we  now  write,  partially,  at 
least,  confirm  his  own  statements  in  relation  to  this  point. 

We  have  learned  from  them,  verbally,  that  he  was  very 
particular  in  regard  to  his  clothing ;  and  that  the  attention 
which  he  paid  to  his  wardrobe  and  toilet  fully  justified  the 
opinion  that  he  indulged  a  slight  degree  of  inordinate  self- 
esteem.  This,  however,  was  not  characterized  by  ostenta- 
tion or  hauteur.    He  was  conscious,  nevertheless,  of  its 


36 


LIFE  OF  THE 


existence,  and  it  seems  to  have  formed  the  greatest  im- 
pediment to  his  conversion.  He  could  not  gain  the  con- 
sent of  his  mind  publicly  to  confess  Christ.  Under  his 
awakenings,  he  often  wept  and  prayed  in  secret  places  be- 
fore the  mercy-seat.  He  struggled  hard  against  the  un- 
subdued pride  of  his  sinful  heart.  He  earnestly  besought 
God  to  forgive  his  sins,  and  to 

"Assuro  his  conscience  of  a  part 
In  the  Redeemer's  blood." 

He  regularly  waited  on  the  ministry  of  the  word.  No  one 
was  more  punctual  in  his  attendance  upon  the  weekly 
prayer-meetings  of  the  church  than  he.  The  Bible  and 
religious  books  were  his  constant  companions ;  and  yet  he 
lingered  at  the  door  of  mercy  without  tasting  "  the  joys 
of  pardoned  sin."  And  all,  as  he  subsequently  avowed, 
because  of  the  pride  of  his  nature,  which  would  not  yield 
to  an  open  confession  of  his  concern  upon  the  subject.  He 
was  ashamed  of  Jesus — ashamed  publicly  to  confess  him — 
ashamed  to  bear  his  reproach,  and  identify  himself  with 
his  followers. 

At  this  point  he  halted  for  some  time.  No  one  was 
aware  of  the  deep  aud  abiding  anxiety  which  he  felt 
about  the  salvation  of  his  soul.  He  was  reluctant  to 
open  his  mind  even  to  Mr.  Allison,  whom  he  had  ever 
found  a  kind  and  sympathetic  friend  and  adviser.  His  in- 
terest at  length  became  so  intense  that  he  determined  no 
longer  to  conceal  it;  and  having  obtained  the  consent  of 
his  employers,  he  attended  a  camp-meeting,  held  in  the 
summer  of  181G,  in  the  Lancaster  circuit,  in  the  Northern 
Neck  of  Virginia,  then  in  the  bounds  of  the  Baltimore 
Annual  Conference.  He  went  to  this  meeting  for  the  pur- 
pose of  seeking  religion.  His  mind  was  fully  made  up 
publicly  to  confess  himself  a  guilty  sinner  in  the  sight  of 
God — to  humble  his  heart  in  the  dust  ;  to  ask  an  interest 
in  the  prayers  of  Christians,  and  to  seek  till  he  should  hud. 
It  so  happened,  that  his  father,  the  Ilev.  John  Childs,  at 
that  time  a  travelling  preacher  in  the  Baltimore  Conference, 
had  charge  of  the  Westmoreland  circuit  that  year.    It  is 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


37 


not  improbable  that  this  fact  had  its  influence  upon  his 
mind  in  determining  him  to  attend  the  meeting.  An  op- 
portunity would  be  presented  to  see  his  father,  to  enjoy 
his  society,  and  especially  to  receive  his  counsel  and  the 
benefit  of  his  prayers  at  this  peculiarly  interesting  stage 
of  his  religious  exercises  of  mind.  He  had  unbounded 
confidence  in  his  father's  piety ;  and  he  knew  that  no  one 
living  felt  a  deeper  concern  for  his  salvation  than  he. 
Being  a  stranger  on  the  camp-ground,  he  had  no  ungodly 
associates  to  draw  off  his  mind  from  the  subject,  and  but 
little  to  divert  his  attention  from  the  great  work  in  which 
he  was  engaged. 

The  full  and  unreserved  consent  of  his  mind  having 
been  gained  publicly  to  seek  Christ,  and  never  to  rest 
until  he  was  found,  he  had  but  little  to  do.  He  was  in 
that  state  in  which  he  could  say,  "Speak,  Lord,  for  thy 
servant  hearcth."  He  was  ready  to  exclaim,  "  Lord, 
I  do  believe,  help  thou  mine  unbelief."  At  a  suitable 
time,  when  an  invitation  was  given  to  penitents  to  come 
forward  publicly  and  receive  the  prayers  and  instructions 
of  the  people  of  God,  he  deliberately  arose  and  went  for- 
ward to  the  place  appropriated  to  seekers  of  religion ;  and 
in  a  very  short  time  arose,  professing  to  have  obtained  the 
blessing  for  which  he  had  so  long  prayed. 

His  conversion  was  not  attended  with  preat  excite- 
ment; but  was  peaceful  and  tranquil.  The  tears  of 
grateful  joy  danced  upon  his  cheeks.  A  radiant  smile 
lighted  up  his  meek  and  delicate  face.  His  heart  swelled 
with  joyful  emotions  which  his  tongue  could  not  ex- 
press. The  burden  of  guilt  had  been  removed  from 
his  heart.  The  evidence  of  his  conversion  was  full  and 
complete.  Nature  around  him  seemed  to  have  put  on  a 
garb  of  unwonted  loveliness.  The  forests  and  the  skies, 
the  sunshine  and  the  flowers,  the  faces  of  those  who  re- 
joiced over  his  conversion,  and  all  the  objects  on  every 
hand,  seemed  to  glow  with  an  expression  of  praise  to  the 
great  and  good  Creator  of  all.  Love  to  God  and  love  to 
man  arose  spontaneously  in  his  bosom  ;  and,  feeling  an  in- 
disputable evidence  in  his  own  heart  of  his  personal  ac- 


38 


LIFE  OF  THE 


ceptance  with  his  Maker,  be  was  enabled  with  an  unwaver- 
ing tongue  to  say — 

"My  God  is  reconciled, 

His  pardoning  voice  I  hear; 
He  owns  me  for  his  child, 

/  can  no  longer  fear : 
With  confidence  I  now  draw  nigh, 
And  Father,  Abba,  Father,  cry." 

Tlie  name  of  Jesus  bad  a  peculiar  charm.  The  songs  of 
Zion,  as  they  arose  in  the  tented  grove  and  died  away  upon 
tbe  hills,  had  never  sounded  so  sweetly  before.  He  was 
born  a^ain — born  of  tbe  Spirit — he  had  passed  from  death 
unto  life ;  old  things  had  passed  away  and  all  things  had 
become  new.  So  clear  and  satisfactory  was  the  evidence 
of  his  conversion  to  bis  own  mind,  that  he  never  doubted, 
at  any  period  of  bis  after  life,  the  genuineness  and  thorough- 
ness of  the  change  that  he  tben  and  there  experienced. 

He  returned  to  Richmond  from  the  camp-meeting,  and 
immediately  united  bimself  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  He  was  afraid  to  risk  himself  without  the  pale 
of  tbe  church  of  Christ.  The  church  be  regarded  as  a  di- 
vine institution,  and,  as  a  disciple  of  Jesus,  he  did  not  feel 
himself  at  liberty  to  decline  a  union  with  it.  He  felt  the 
need  of  its  discipline  and  ordinances,  of  its  associations 
and  its  prayers,  and  be  deferred  not  to  avail  himself  of  the 
privilege  of  church  fellowship.  He  was  young,  being  but 
seventeen  years  of  age,  and  he  felt  tbe  need  of  counsel  and 
religious  instruction  and  advice  from  tbe  more  experienced 
members  of  the  body  of  Christ.  At  his  own  request,  he 
was  placed  in  the  class  in  which  his  employer,  Mr.  Allison, 
met.  Tbis  was  a  good  indication.  It  showed  that  be  was 
not  disposed  to  sbrink  from  the  closest  scrutiny  as  to  his 
religious  character.  It  sbowed,  also,  his  confidence  in  the 
piety  of  his  employer.  They  met  together  in  class,  prayed 
together  in  their  room,  read  the  Scriptures  together,  and 
hand  in  hand  trod  the  path  that  leads  to  tbe  mansions  of 
the  blest. 

But  our  young  convert  was,  at  an  early  stage  of 
his  Christian  experience,  the  subject  of  painful  and  dis- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


39 


tressing  temptations ;  and  in  the  midst  of  them  he  en- 
countered very  great  discouragements.  The  following  ex- 
tract from  a  letter  written  hy  his  widow,  relating  to  this 
period  of  his  life,  will  throw  some  light  upon  the  subject, 
and  will  interest  the  reader : — "  During  his  residence  in 
Richmond,  he  became  concerned  about  saving  his  soul. 
He  had  always  been  very  moral — never  swore  an  oath  or 
told  an  untruth.  He  left  Richmond  to  attend  a  camp- 
meeting,  with  his  mind  fully  made  up  to  seek  God  in  the 
forgiveness  of  his  sins.  He  did  seek,  and  successfully. 
He  returned  to  the  city,  resolved  to  devote  his  all  to  his 
God.  But  his  hitherto  besetting  sin  was  pride,  which  now 
again  stood  in  his  way.  Satan  greatly  harassed  him  from 
time  to  time  with  the  most  awful  suggestions,  which  seemed 
to  threaten  his  eternal  destruction.  Often  did  he  wrestle 
for  hours,  prostrate  on  the  floor,  pleading  for  deliverance. 
In  his  anguish  of  soul,  he  ventured  to  unfold  his  mind  to 
an  old  member  of  the  church,  who  not  only  did  not  teach 
him  to  expect  deliverance  from  all  sin,  but  rather  made 
light  of  his  exercises.  Such  was  the  effect  upon  his  mind, 
that  for  a  while  he  was  greatly  tempted  to  give  up  his  con- 
fidence and  abandon  his  pursuit."  He  has  frequently  been 
heard  to  speak  of  his  exercises  of  mind  during  the  period 
to  which  the  extract  above  relates.  The  author  has  heard 
him  say  that  the  pride  of  his  heart  came  wellnigh  ruining 
him  at  this  time. 

His  fondness  for  dress  was  exceedingly  hard  to  over- 
come. His  mind  was  too  much  occupied  with  the  fashions 
and  customs  of  the  world.  He  determined,  through 
the  aid  of  Divine  grace,  to  gain  the  mastery,  and  to 
become  a  holy  Christian.  He  took  the  word  of  God  for 
his  guide,  and  set  his  standard  high.  The  devil  seemed 
determined  to  defeat  him.  The  conflict  was  fierce  and 
strong.  At  times  he  felt  as  though  he  was  rapidly  gaining 
the  victory — that  he  was  putting  the  world  beneath  his 
feet,  and  that  he  was  casting  Satan  behind  him.  The  in- 
judicious advice  of  the  old  Christian  gave  the  enemy  the 
advantage  for  a  while.  He  scarcely  knew  what  course  to 
pursue.     His  soul  was  cast  down  within  him — his  sky 


40 


LIFE  OF  THE 


was  overcast  with  clouds — his  feet  seemed  stumbling  again 
upon  the  dark  mountains.  In  his  despondency  he  was 
ready  to  say — 

"There  is  a  heaven  o'er  yonder  sky; 
A  heaven  where  pleasures  never  die; 
A  heaven  I  sometimes  hope  to  see, 
But  fear  again  'tis  not  for  me." 

In  this  state  of  mind  he  continued  for  several  months. 
He  attended  church  regularly — never  missed  his  class- 
meeting,  and  was  always  present  at  the  weekly  prayer- 
meeting.  His  conduct,  however,  in  the  church  frequently 
attracted  the  attention  of  his  acquaintances  and  friends. 
It  was  observed  at  the  prayer-meeting  that  he  uniformly 
sat  in  the  remotest  corner  of  the  room,  and,  if  possible,  got 
a  position  where  he  could  not  be  seen  by  the  person  con- 
ducting the  services.  The  design  on  his  part — for  there 
was  manifestly  design — was  not  then  understood.  He  was 
regarded  by  all  who  knew  him  as  deeply  pious  and  exem- 
plary, and  it  was  a  matter  of  surprise  that  he  should  not 
seem  to  manifest  a  more  lively  interest  in  the  public  ex- 
ercises of  the  church.  In  the  class-room  he  spoke  but 
little,  and  often  despondingly.  There  seemed,  indeed,  a 
mystery  about  his  spiritual  condition  and  exercises. 

In  IS  19,  Mr.  Allison  was  married,  and  very  soon  there- 
after commenced  housekeeping  in  Richmond.  Mr.  Childs, 
then  nearly  a  grown  young  man,  was  taken  as  an  inmate 
of  their  little  family;  and  Mrs.  Allison,  an  intelligent  and 
pious  lady,  was  daily  cognizant  of  his  private  walk  and 
conversation.  In  a  letter  received  from  her  in  reply 
to  one  of  inquiry,  asking  for  her  impressions  of  his  reli- 
gious character  at  the  time  he  lived  in  her  family,  she 
thus  writes : — 

"I  always  considered  Brother  Childs  deeply  pious, 
lie  was  remarkably  modest  and  unpretending — said  no- 
thing and  did  nothing  for  appearances.  One  trait  I 
considered  remarkable — he  always  preferred  meeting  in 
class  with  his  employer,  with  whom  he  lived  and  slept 
until  within  a  year  or  two  of  his  leaving  Richmond. 
I  believe  the  latter  had  his  entire  confidence.    He  was 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


41 


always  very  conscientious.  After  I  came  to  Richmond,  I 
always  noticed,  whenever  there  was  any  excitement  in  the 
church,  that  he  seemed  to  take  no  part  in  it ;  indeed,  it 
seemed  to  render  him  uncomfortable.  He  never  went  for- 
ward to  take  a  part  in  the  exercises,  but  always  took  an 
obscure  scat  and  kept  silence.  I  wondered  at  this,  feeling, 
as  I  did,  assured  of  his  genuine  piety.  He  was  always 
ready  for  any  and  every  other  good  work.  But  the  mys- 
tery was  unravelled  in  after  years  to  my  entire  satisfaction 
by  himself.  He  said  he  was  so  much  afraid  of  being  called 
to  the  ministry  that  he  carefully  avoided  every  thing  that 
might  lead  to  it.  And  from  his  unhappy  appearance  on 
such  occasions,  I  doubt  not  he  was  deeply  exercised  on 
that  subject  at  that  time ;  feeling  that  he  was  out  of  his 
place,  and  consequently  restless  and  unsettled." 

Mr.  Childs's  associates  plainly  saw  that  something  was 
preying  on  his  mind  that  revealed  itself  in  his  face ;  but 
what  it  was  they  knew  not,  and  he  studiously  avoided 
making  any  revelations  on  the  subject.  The  fact  was, 
God  had  laid  the  coal  of  prophecy  upon  his  heart,  and  he 
felt  that  a  dispensation  of  the  gospel  was  committed  unto 
him.  But  he  laboured  under  such  a  painful  conviction 
of  a  want  of  qualification  for  the  great  and  awfully  re- 
sponsible vocation,  that  he  attempted  to  smother  the  fire 
in  his  own  bosom ;  and  his  language  was  that  of  Jei'emiah 
when  the  word  of  the  Lord  came  unto  him  saying,  "  I  have 
ordained  thee  a  prophet  unto  the  nations,"  "  Ah !  Lord, 
God,  behold  I  cannot  speak  :  for  I  am  a  child."  But  it 
continued  to  echo  in  his  ears,  "  Say  not,  I  am  a  child  :  for 
thou  shalt  go  to  all  that  I  shall  send  thee,  and  whatsoever 
I  command  thee  thou  shalt  speak."  His  concern  was 
most  intense.  It  was  almost  painful  to  his  Mends  to  see 
him.  There  he  was  in  their  midst,  diligently  pursuing 
his  business,  mingling  with  them  in  their  religious  ser- 
vices, yet  holding  himself  aloof  from  any  active  part  in 
the  exercises.  The  fire  began  to  fade  from  his  eye,  and 
the  rose  from  his  cheek.  His  health  began  to  decline. 
And  yet  amid  all  he  was  a  pattern  of  piety.  Holiness  of 
heart  and  life  was  his  constant  end  and  aim.   His  convcr- 


v 


42 


LIFE  OF  THE 


sation  was  "  seasoned  with  salt,  fit  to  minister  grace  to  the 
hearers."  He  ahstaiucd  from  jesting  and  foolish  talking, 
which  he  found  hurtful  to  his  soul,  and  destructive  of  his 
iufluence.  Every  one  that  saw  him  knew  that  he  had  been 
with  Jesus.  Upon  the  streets,  in  his  place  of  business, 
in  the  company  of  the  irreligious,  in  the  social  circle,  every- 
where he  was  the  same. 

The  decline  of  his  health  rendered  it  necessary  for  him 
to  change  his  business,  lie  accordingly  made  up  his 
mind  to  leave  Ilichmond  and  return  to  Fairfax  county, 
which  he  did,  as  nearly  as  can  now  be  ascertained,  in  1822. 
His  residence  in  Fairfax  until  his  entrance  upon  the  work 
of  the  ministry  will  form  the  subject  of  our  next  chapter. 

We  part  with  him  here  with  feelings  of  melancholy  in- 
terest. We  are  impressed  with  his  piety.  We  admire  his 
modesty — his  humility.  We  are  forcibly  struck  with  his 
conscientiousness,  and  with  his  strict  propriety  of  deport- 
ment. We  are  almost  ready  to  weep  over  the  concealed  con- 
flict that  is  passing  in  his  mind.  It  is  a  critical  point  in 
his  history.  But  God's  providence  is  over  him,  and  an  un- 
seen hand  is  directing  his  paths.  For  there  is  a  provi- 
dence that  shapes  our  lives,  rough-hew  them  as  we  will. 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


43 


CHAPTER  IV. 

RESIDENCE  IN  FAIRFAX  FROM  1822  TO  1827. 

Mr.  Childs's  attachment  to  Mr.  Allison  and  family — His  health — Re- 
turns to  Fairfax  county — Attempts  merchandising — Farming — Teach- 
ing— Fails  in  all — Unhappy — Call  to  the  ministry — Painful  conflict 
■with  his  convictions  of  duty — Obtains  a  license  to  exhort — Makes  a 
round  on  the  Calvert  circuit  with  his  father — Licensed  to  preach — 
Travels  Carlisle  circuit  part  of  the  year — Obtains  a  recommendation 
to  the  Baltimore  Annual  Conference — Is  received  and  transferred  to 
the  Virginia  Conference,  and  placed  on  the  Albemarle  circuit. 

Mr.  Citilds's  residence  in  Richmond  embraced  that 
portion  of  his  life  in  which  our  strongest  and  most  abiding 
attachments  are  formed  for  places  and  for  persons.  He 
went  to  the  city  an  inexperienced  youth  and  a  stranger. 
Besides  Mr.  Allison,  his  employer,  he  knew  no  one.  Per- 
haps this  was  fortunate  for  him  ;  for  in  this  kind-hearted, 
Christian  gentleman  he  found  all  that  he  could  desire  in  a 
friend,  a  companion,  or  a  judicious  counsellor  and  guardian 
of  his  youth.  He  became  warmly  attached  to  Mr.  Allison, 
and  also  to  his  intelligent  and  amiable  lady;  and  this  at- 
tachment was  mutual.  There  were  also  several  young 
men,  who  joined  the  church  about  the  time  he  did,  whom 
he  held  in  very  high  regard.  These  were  his  associates ; 
with  them  he  had  held  sweet  converse,  and  walked  to  the 
house  of  God  in  company.  They  had  been  his  companions 
in  his  early  Christian  conflicts.  With  them  he  had  wept, 
and  prayed,  and  rejoiced.  Together  they  had  visited  the 
habitations  of  the  destitute  and  suffering,  and  mingled  their 
prayers  and  tears  at  the  bedside  of  the  afflicted,  and  his 
heart  was  wedded  to  them.  He  loved  the  place  of  reli- 
gious worship,  where,  for  several  years,  he  had  met  with 
Cod's  people  to  hear  the  precious  word  of  life  dispensed. 
Richmond,  with  its  hills  and  valleys,  its  hospitable  firesides 
and  sanctuaries,  had  become  endeared  to  him.    From  the 


44 


XIFE  OF  THE 


Capitol  square,  occupying  an  elevated  and  central  position 
in  the  city,  be  had  gazed  upon  the  surrounding  scenery 
until  a  picture  was  formed  in  his  mind  in  which  every  lo- 
cality and  point  of  interest  was  limned  in  its  appropriate 
colours.  The  majestic  James,  with  its  willow-tufted  islands, 
its  foaming  rapids  and  bristling  rocks;  the  far-stretching 
holds  and  woody  hilltops  beyond;  the  quiet-looking  town 
of  Manchester,  imbosomed  among  trees  and  skirted  with 
highly  cultivated  farms ;  the  beautiful  country-seats  dot- 
ting the  plains ;  and  rising  swells  that  mark  the  course  of 
the  river  as  it  glides  away  to  the  ocean — these  had  all 
made  their  impress  upon  his  mind.  He  loved  llichmond, 
and  the  kind  friends  of  his  youth  that  lived  there ;  and 
it  was  not  without  a  struggle  that  he  gave  it  up  as  a  place 
of  residence.  His  health,  however,  seemed  to  require  a 
change ;  and  he  therefore  consented  to  do  violence  to  his 
feelings  in  tearing  himself  from  it.  But  till  the  day  of  his 
death  he  cherished  the  most  affectionate  regard  for  the 
friends  he  loved  when  a  boy  in  Richmond. 

On  his  return  to  Fairfax,  he  found  things  wonderfully 
changed.  His  brothers  and  sisters  were  gone  ;  his  father 
had  broken  up  housekeeping ;  the  old  homestead  was  tem- 
porarily in  other  hands,  and  every  thing  wore  a  different 
aspect.  He  had  a  relation  still  living  in  the  neighbour- 
hood, and  he  entered  his  family  as  an  inmate,  not  having 
yet  determined  on  his  occupation  for  a  livelihood.  At  first 
he  was  at  a  loss  what  course  to  pursue.  He  felt  a  clear 
and  powerful  conviction  on  his  mind  that  it  was  his  duty 
to  preach  the  gospel ;  but  this  he  kept  in  his  own  bosom. 
He  did  his  utmost  to  banish  the  thought,  and  to  free  his 
mind  from  the  harassing  and  unwelcome  impression, 
which  almost  utterly  disqualified  him  for  any  other  busi- 
ness. He  attempted  school-teaching,  but  this  did  not  suit 
his  health.  He  then  turned  his  attention  to  farming;  but 
in  this  he  did  not  succeed.  The  providence  of  God  seemed 
to  be  against  him.  From  farming  he  turned  his  attention 
to  merchandise.  He  opened  a  small  store,  but  this  did 
not  prosper.  Thus  he  was  constantly  changing  his  pur- 
suits in  life,  but  all  without  success. 


REV.  JOnN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


45 


Mrs.  Allison,  from  whose  letter  we  have  gleaned  the  facts 
above,  further  adds — "The  Lord  had  other  work  for  him 
to  do,  and  the  labour  of  his  hands  did  not  prosper.  He  was 
fighting  against  God;  and  so  fierce  was  the  conflict,  that  he 
was  forced  to  the  conclusion  that  he  must  preach  or  give  up 
all  pretensions  to  religion."  And  yet  he  studiously  avoided 
any  reference  to  the  subject.  He  had  never  conferred 
with  any  one,  and  the  <  concealment,  like  the  worm  in  the 
bud,'  was  withering  and  sapping  all  his  joys.  Whenever 
he  gained  the  consent  of  his  mind  to  enter  the  ministry, 
then  all  was  bright  and  joyous  with  him  ;  but  when  again 
he  began  to  hesitate  and  fight  against  his  convictions  of 
duty,  then  the  heavens  grew  dark  above  him — the  lights  of 
hope  on  his  pathway  paled  and  expired ;  and  while  he  halted 
and  endeavoured  to  excuse  himself,  he  found  himself  with- 
out a  particle  of  Divine  comfort.  It  was  only  while  he 
held  to  his  purpose  to  preach  that  he  enjoyed  the  smiles 
of  an  approving  God. 

From  exercises  like  these  he  was  forced  to  the  conclu- 
sion that  he  must  preach  or  perish.  He  began  to  feel, 
as  he  had  not,  what  that  meaneth,  "Wo  is  unto  me  if  I 
preach  not  the  gospel."  In  his  moments  of  retirement  and 
meditation,  when  the  conviction  was  strong  on  his  mind 
that  no  alternative  was  left  him — that  he  must  go  out 
and  call  sinners  to  repentance  or  meet  the  doom  of  the 
servant  who  knew  his  lord's  will  and  did  it  not — he  would 
resolve  to  open  his  mind  freely  to  some  pious  friend  on 
the  subject.  But,  strange  to  tell,  when  in  company  he 
seemed  to  shrink  from  the  remotest  allusion  to  the  severe 
and  painful  mental  and  spiritual  conflict  that  had  for  seve- 
ral years  disturbed  his  peace,  and,  at  times,  seriously 
threatened  his  salvation.  He  saw  no  way  of  relief  except 
in  conversing  with  others  in  relation  to  his  exercises  of 
mind,  and  in  embracing  the  first  opportunity  of  entering 
the  ministry,  and  yet  he  delayed  carrying  his  purposes  into 
execution.  At  length,  to  ease  his  conscience,  he  applied 
to  the  society  of  which  he  was  a  member  for  a  license  to 
exhort  and  to  conduct  public  religious  worship.  He  hoped 
that  by  taking  this  step  his  mind  would  be  relieved  and 


46 


LIFE  OF  THE 


his  spiritual  enjoyments  increased.  His  license  to  exhort 
is  dated  December  15th,  1825,  and  signed  by  Rev.  "William 
I'rcttyman.  lie  held  meetings  in  his  neighbourhood,  and 
exhorted  the  people  with  great  fervour  and  zeal.  His 
labours  were  blessed  by  the  Great  Head  of  the  church ; 
>and  he  felt  that  he  was  in  the  line  of  duty,  but  he  was  not 
content.  There  was  yet  a  moi-e  extensive  work  for  him 
to  perform.  But  he  continued  strangely  to  strive  to  sup- 
press the  conviction  that  he  must  become  a  travelling 
preacher. 

Mrs.  Childs  says,  in  a  letter  relating  to  this  portion 
of  his  life,  that,  "  Fortunately  for  him  at  this  time, 
he  boarded  with  a  relative  who,  with  his  wife,  was  un- 
usually pious — spending  three  hours  every  day  in  secret 
devotion.  From  these  pious  relatives  he  received,  by  pre- 
cept and  example,  the  help  he  so  much  needed.  But  still 
he  was  not  at  ease.  He  gave  up  one  pursuit  and  tried 
another,  but  nothing  he  undertook  seemed  to  prosper.  He 
was  striving  against  God — praying  all  the  time  that  Tic 
might  send  by  whom  he  would,  but  not  by  him — said  he 
felt  he  had  rather  die  than  to  go  out  as  an  itinerant  Me- 
thodist preacher.  After  many  and  sore  conflicts,"  con- 
tinues Mrs.  Childs,  "he  sought  an  interview  with  his 
father,  who  was  then  a  member  of  the  Baltimore  Con- 
ference, and  made  known  his  exercises  to  him.  He  told 
his  father  all  that  was  in  his  heart  on  the  subject.  The 
old  gentleman  heard  attentively,  and  when  he  was  done, 
replied,  '  Well,  my  son,  God  has  called  you  to  the  work 
of  the  ministry,  and  it  is  useless  to  contend  longer  with 
him.  Get  your  horse  and  saddle-bags,  and  come,  go  with 
your  father.'  He  obeyed,  and  immediately  commenced  a 
tour  on  the  circuit  with  his  father." 
v-  His  father  was  then  travelling  the  Calvert  circuit,  in  the 
State  of  Maryland;  and  by  the  time  he  had  made  two  or 
three  rounds  with  his  son,  he  had  him  fairly  initiated.  The 
circuit  embraced  a  section  of  the  country  in  which  a  pretty 
fair  specimen  of  Methodist  itinerancy  was  presented  to  the 
novitiate.  He  saw  that  he  was  to  become  accustomed  to 
every  variety  of  society  and  fare ;  that  he  was  to  inure  him- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


47 


self  to  privation  and  change  ;  that  he  was  to  encounter  the 
cold  and  heartless  as  well  as  to  receive  the  greetings  and  wel- 
come of  the  generous  and  cordial ;  that  he  was  to  preach  to 
the  large  and  intelligent  congregation  in  the  comfortable 
house  of  worship,  and  to  a  mere  handful  in  the  school-house 
in  some  obscure  part  of  the  country;  that  he  must  press 
onward  amid  sunshine  and  clouds,  smiles  and  tears,  success 
and  defeat,  through  summer's  heat  and  winter's  cold  ;  and 
that  he  must  not  even  "  count  his  life  dear  to  him,  so  that 
he  might  finish  his  course  with  joy,  and  the  ministry  which 
he  had  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  testify  the  gospel  of 
the  grace  of  God." 

This,  his  first  year  of  service,  embraced  the  winter  of 
1826.  On  the  29th  of  April  of  that  year,  he  received  a 
recommendation  to  the  Baltimore  District  Conference  for 
license  to  preach,  signed,  in  behalf  of  the  Quarterly-meet- 
ing Conference  of  the  Calvert  circuit,  by  Joseph  Frye, 
president,  and  Richard  Brown,  secretary.  He  was  duly 
licensed  by  the  District  Conference,  at  its  session  in  the 
spring  of  1826.  A  short  time  thereafter,  he  went  to  the 
Carlisle  circuit,  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  and  travelled 
the  remainder  of  the  conference  year  under  the  direction 
of  the  presiding  elder  of  the  district. 

We  have  no  reliable  data  from  which  to  gather  any 
thing  of  particular  interest  relating  to  his  labours  at  this 
early  stage  of  his  ministerial  career.  From  the  surviving 
members  of  his  family  we  have  learned  that,  from  the  time 
of  his  entrance  upon  the  work  of  the  sacred  office,  he  was 
more  than  ordinarily  strict  and  conscientious.  He  set  a 
high  standard,  and  laboured  from  the  start  to  bring  his  life 
and  experience  up  to  it. 

The  Bible  was  his  constant  companion.  One  of  his 
brothers  says  that  he  had  a  copy  of  the  Scriptures  at  this 
time,  which  he  had  read  and  marked  with  his  pencil  till 
almost  eVery  page  in  it  had  a  passage  around  which  he 
had  drawn  a  line.  Over  this  precious  book  he  had  wept 
and  prayed,  till  its  leaves  had  been  saturated  with  his 
tears,  and  many  of  them  partly  detached  from  the  bind- 
ing.   Upon  his  knees,  again  aud  again,  from  the  first 


48 


LIFE  OP  THE 


verse  of  Genesis  to  the  last  of  tbe  Apocalyptic  vision, 
ho  had  read  it  through  and  through.  In  all  his  strug- 
gles upon  the  subject  of  his  call  to  the  ministry,  this 
book  had  been  his  vade  mccum.  It  was  always  in  his 
pocket,  or  at  the  place  of  his  private  devotions ;  and  he 
had  already  become  so  familiar  with  its  contents  that  he 
could,  with  perfect  ease,  quote  almost  any  portion,  giving 
at  tbe  same  time  the  chapter  and  the  verse. 

At  tbe  close  of  the  conference  year  he  attended  the  ses- 
sion of  the  Baltimore  Annual  Conference,  held  in  the  city 
of  Baltimore,  on  the  12th  of  April,  1827,  and  was  received 
on  probation,  according  to  the  usage  of  the  church,  in  the 
travelling  connection.  When  the  appointments  were  an- 
nounced, at  the  close  of  the  session,  be  was  not  a  little 
surprised  to  learn  that  he  was  transferred  to  the  Virginia 
Conference.  His  previous  acquaintance  had  been  almost 
exclusively  with  the  ministers  of  tbe  Baltimore  Conference; 
his  relatives  lived  principally  in  the  bounds  of  that  con- 
ference; he  bad  selected  that  as  the  field  of  his  ministerial 
labour,  and  the  announcement  of  a  transfer  to  another  con- 
ference was  not  only  a  matter  of  surprise,  but  was  a  source 
of  trial  to  him.  But  the  Baltimore  Conference  was  full 
at  that  time,  while  the  Virginia  Conference  stood  in  need 
of  supplies.  He  therefore  acquiesced  in  tbe  arrangement, 
being  assured  that  his  fathers  and  brethren  in  the  ministry 
deemed  it  best.  Besides,  he  felt  that  in  consecrating  him- 
self to  the  work,  it  was  bis  duty  to  submit  himself  to  the 
authorities  of  tbe  church,  and  cheerfully  to  perform  that 
work  which,  in  their  godly  wisdom,  they  might  assign 
to  him. 

He  returned  from  the  conference  first  to  Fairfax,  where  he 
spent  a  short  time  with  bis  relatives  and  friends  ;  from  Fair- 
lax  be  went  to  Richmond,  on  his  way  to  the  Albemarle  cir- 
cuit, to  which  he  had  been  assigned  for  the  remainder  of 
the  year.  In  Richmond  be  stopped  with  bis  kind  friend 
Mr.  Allison.  Some  five  years  or  more  had  elapsed  since  he 
left  the  city.  Mrs.  Allison,  in  spoakmg  of  this  visit,  says, 
in  the  letter  referred  to  above,  "  The  next  I  saw  of  him  he 
came  to  our  house,  on  his  way  to  his  appointment  some- 


REV.  JOHN  WES  tire  CniLDS. 


49 


where  in  the  Virginia  Conference,  with  saddle-bags  on  his 
arm,  and  the  usual  accoutrements  of  the  Methodist  travel- 
ling preacher,  and  having  on  the  rovnd-breastcd  coat,  so 
commonly  worn  by  our  ministers  in  those  days.  This 
latter  I  did  not  think  in  keeping  with  his  years;  and  as  I 
had  always  been  in  the  habit  of  speaking  very  unreservedly 
to  him,  I  ventured  to  remonstrate  with  him  on  the  sub- 
ject. He  replied  that  I  could  not  dislike  the  cut  of  the 
coat  more  than  he  did,  and  that  he  had  adopted  it  purety 
to  mortify  his  pride."  He  spent  but  a  few  days  in  the 
city,  which  were  occupied  principally  in  renewing  his  old 
acquaintances  and  reviving  the  associations  connected  with 
his  former  residence  in  the  place. 

It  was  during  this  visit  that  he  explained  to  his  friends 
why  he  had  so  studiously  avoided  taking  any  part  in  pub- 
lic religious  exercises  while  he  lived  in  Richmond.  But 
they  all  saw  that  he  had  entered  the  ministry  with  all  his 
heart;  that  he  had  torn  himself  away  from  the  world; 
that  he  had  given  up  all  to  follow  Jesus ;  and  that  his  afl'ec- 
tions  were  placed  on  things  above. 

He  went  to  his  circuit,  which  embraced  a  large  aud 
beautiful  section  of  Virginia,  skirting  the  Blue  Bidgc 
Mountains.  Nature  nowhere  spreads  out  a  more  fascinat- 
ing picture  to  the  eye  than  in  this  portion  of  the  country. 
The  valleys  are  fruitful  and  in  a  high  state  of  cultivation. 
The  country  residences  are  neat  and  often  elegant.  While 
in  every  direction  the  eye  is  greeted  by  the  magnificent 
swell  of  mountain  ranges,  shooting  up  their  lofty,  rock- 
crowned  peaks  in  the  clear  blue  heavens,  and  stretching 
away  in  graceful  lines  till  mountain  and  sky  are  blended. 
Here,  amid  these  hills  and  valleys  aud  mountain  gorges, 
.Mr.  Childs  pursued  his  work  with  a  zeal  and  devotion  that 
really  excited  the  astonishment  of  his  people.  He  was 
u  instant  in  season  and  out  of  season."  His  labours  were 
abundant.  Not  content  with  the  regular  appointments, 
which  occupied  nearly  every  day  of  the  week,  he  sought 
new  fields  of  labour,  preaching  at  night  in  private  houses 
and  in  neighbourhoods  not  supplied  with  the  regular  minis- 
trations of  the  word.    He  did  not  labour  in  vain.  The 


50 


LIFE  OF  THE 


churches  were  quickened  under  his  ministry,  and  sinners 
were  converted  to  God. 

We  will  close  this  chapter  in  his  history  with  an  anec- 
dote connected  with  this  part  of  his  ministry,  as  furnished 
by  Mrs.  Childs.  She  says — "  The  first  camp-meeting  he 
attended,  he  resolved,  as  he  had  often  heard  it  sneeringly 
remarked  that  the  young  preachers  preferred  to  instruct 
and  pray  with  the  female  penitents  during  religious  re- 
vivals, that  he  would  confine  himself  to  the  gentlemen's 
altar,  and  scrupulously  avoid  conversing  with  the  ladies 
even  upon  the  subject  of  religion.  Several  days  of  the  meet- 
ing passed,  and  although  he  had  faithfully  endeavoured  to 
do  all  he  could,  he  was,  nevertheless,  without  spiritual 
comfort ;  and  at  last  he  became  so  depressed  that  he  came 
to  the  conclusion  to  leave  the  encampment.  Just  at  this 
time,  a  female  friend  who  was  in  the  altar,  in  great  distress 
of  mind  about  her  soul,  sent  for  him  to  converse  with  her 
on  the  subject  of  religion.  He  had  not  been  with  her 
long  before  she  was  happily  converted.  He  was  then  re- 
quested to  talk  with  another,  and  still  another,  until  seve- 
ral in  rapid  succession  were  converted  around  him,  and 
rejoicing  in  a  knowledge  of  sins  forgiven.  He  then  saw 
the  snare  which  the  great  enemy  of  all  good  had  laid  for 
his  feet,  and  resolved  henceforth  to  go  wherever  duty 
called,  and  to  labour  wherever  he  found  a  sinner  to  point 
to  Jesus." 

"We  have  now  followed  the  subject  of  this  biography  till 
we  have  seen  him  fully  engaged  in  the  work  of  preaching 
Jesus  and  calling  sinners  to  repentance.  The  commence- 
ment of  his  career  is  full  of  promise  of  extensive  usefulness 
to  the  church.  We  find  him  a  man  full  of  zeal  and  full  of 
the  Holy  Ghost.  He  is  a  man  of  prayer  and  of  deep  devo- 
tion to  his  high  vocation.  God  had  given  him  seals  to  his 
ministry,  and  he  no  longer  doubted  that  his  commission  to 
preach  the  gospel  bore  the  signature  of  the  Great  Head  of  the 
church.  Thus  encouraged  and  sustained,  he  went  up  to  the 
Conference  which  held  its  session,  in  the  month  of  Febru- 
ary, 1828,  in  the  city  of  Raleigh,  N.  C.  From  this  Con- 
ference he  was  appoiutcd  to  the  Brunswick  circuit. 


KEY.  JOHN  WESLEY  CII1LDS. 


51 


CHAPTER  V. 

BRUNSWICK  AND  CAROLINE  CIRCUITS.  1828  AND  1829. 

Entrance  upon  his  work — His  reception — Close  preaching — Revival — 
Rev.  J.  (J.  Claiborne's  account  of  his  habits,  labours,  and  usefulness 
— Attends  Conference — appointed  to  Caroline  circuit — State  of  the 
circuit — Letter  to  Mr.  Claiborne — Death  of  his  father — Closes  his 
labours  on  the  circuit — Attends  Conference — Appointed  to  the  Meek 
lenburg  circuit. 

On  the  adjournment  of  the  Conference,  Mr.  Cbilds  has- 
tened, without  an  hour's  unnecessary  delay,  to  his  new 
field  of  ministerial  labour.  It  was  his  first  year  in  charge 
of  a  circuit;  and  he  seemed  fully  to  appreciate  the  duties 
and  responsibilities  of  his  appointment.  When  he  arrived 
within  the  bounds  of  his  circuit  he  found  himself  among 
strangers ;  but  he  was  everywhere  cordially  received,  and 
every  thing  was  done  that  could  be  desired  by  the  kind 
and  hospitable  people  of  his  charge  to  render  him  com- 
fortable and  to  make  him  feel  at  home  among  them. 

At  first,  the  apparently  unsocial  manner  of  Mr.  Childs 
seemed  to  excite  a  little  prejudice  against  him,  with  those, 
more  especially,  that  had  not  formed  his  acquaintance.  He 
did  not  spend  as  much  time  in  social  conversation  with  the 
families  in  winch  he  visited  as  other  ministers  before  him 
had  done.  He  was  habitually  serious,  and  unusually  grave 
for  one  of  his  years;  and  to  those  who  were  not  intimate 
with  him,  he  appeared  to  be  somewhat  captious  and  censo- 
rious. He  reproved  sin  in  all  of  its  forms,  wherever  he 
met  with  it.  He  talked  plainly  to  worldly-minded  pro- 
fessors of  religion,  wherever  he  found  them.  In  the  class- 
room, and  in  all  his  private  associations  with  the  members 
of  the  church,  he  faithfully  reproved  whatever  he  deemed 
wrong  in  them.  Wherever  he  discovered  external  con- 
formity to  the  fashions  and  customs  of  the  world,  he  en- 
deavoured to  correct  it  by  gentle  admonition  and  rebuke. 


52 


LIFE  OF  THE 


lie  did  not  hesitate  to  ask  a  professor  why  he  wore  a  breast- 
pin or  a  finger-ring  ?  why  she  wore  artificial  flowers  in  her 
bonnet  or  costly  decorations  upon  her  person  ?  and,  after  re- 
ceiving the  usual  answers,  proceed  to  admonish  the  person 
of  what  he  regarded  the  evils  of  such  indulgence.  Scores 
of  searching  texts  of  Scripture  were  plied  to  the  conscience 
in  rapid  succession — appeals  were  made  on  the  ground  of 
consistency,  and  on  the  score  of  example  and  Christian  in- 
fluence.   He  left  no  loophole  of  escape. 

He  personally  interrogated  the  members  of  his  church 
wherever  he  met  them,  if  the  circumstances  would  at  all 
allow  of  it,  in  relation  to  their  personal  Christian  expe- 
rience. On  entering  a  house,  he  never  took  his  seat,  after 
kindly  shaking  each  member  of  the  household  cordially  by 
the  hand  and  asking  after  the  health  of  the  family,  before 
he  proposed  prayer;  and  while  upon  his  knees  in  fervent 
supplication,  he  prayed  the  peace  of  Cod  upon  the  house — 
he  prayed  for  every  member  of  the  family,  white  and  co- 
loured, and  asked  that  God  might  make  him  a  blessing  to 
all  the  inmates  while  he  remained  beneath  the  roof. 

He  was  also  remarkably  strict  in  the  observance  of  the 
Sabbath.  In  every  family,  privately,  as  well  as  in  his  pub- 
lic addresses,  he  strongly  remonstrated  against  visiting,  idle 
conversation,  secular  reading,  political  discussions,  cooking, 
and  whatever  else  he  thought  violative  of  the  sanctity  of 
God's  holy  day.  He  carried  his  views  and  practice  so  far 
as  even  to  refuse  to  eat  any  thing  that  was  cooked  on  the 
Sabbath.  No  matter  what  family  he  was  in,  nor  who  might 
be  present,  if  he  thought  the  conversation  was  too  worldly 
for  the  Lord's  day,  he  did  not  hesitate  mildly  to  suggest  a 
change  of  the  topic. 

All  this,  as  may  naturally  be  supposed,  led  to  a  good 
deal  of  conversation  among  his  members  and  with  the 
people  of  the  world.  Some  condemned  his  course,  while 
others  approved.  It  was  not  long,  however,  before  the 
influence  of  his  example  began  to  be  felt.  It  was  found 
that  he  did  not  preach  one  thing  and  practise  another. 
His  own  life  was  found  to  be,  in  the  strictest  sense,  iu  har- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


53 


mony  with  the  principles  which  he  laid  down  for  the  con- 
duct of  others.  His  daily  walk  was  a  practical  comment 
upon  the  precepts  which,  from  the  pulpit,  and  in  the 
private  circle,  he  urged  upon  the  people  of  his  pastoral 
care.  He  recommended  fasting  and  abstinence  by  exam- 
ple ;  and,  while  he  exhorted  his  flock  to  abstain  from  all 
improper  conformity  to  the  world,  he  himself  "  crucified  the 
flesh  with  its  affections  and  lusts."  In  every  Christian  vir- 
tue he  was  a  pattern  to  believers.  No  one  could  turn  upon 
him  with  the  cutting  rebuke,  "Physician,  heal  thyself." 

The  effect  of  his  daily  walk  and  conversation  was,  in  some 
instances,  and  not  a  few,  to  lead  good  and  pious  persons 
to  suspect  the  genuineness  of  their  own  piety.  His  stand- 
ard was  so  high,  his  life  so  blameless,  and  his  experience  so 
exalted  and  spiritual,  that  many,  in  comparing  their  own 
lives  with  his,  really  came  to  the  conclusion  that  they  knew 
nothing  of  true,  experimental  godliness.  . 

We  stop  not  here  to"pa5s  any  judgment  upon  his  course 
of  life  at  this  period  of  his  ministry.  We  simply  state  the 
facts.  The  circulation  of  such  a  man  in  the  community 
created  great  interest.  The  people  crowded  to  hear  him 
preach,  and  many  went  away  astonished  at  his  doctrines. 
Some  cavilled,  some  criticised,  some  censured;  but  for  the 
most  part,  the  congregations  returned  to  their  homes  much 
displeased  with  themselves,  and  not  without  secretly  resolv- 
ing to  profit  by  his  instructions.  The  word  of  life  dis- 
pensed by  him,  and  his  estimable  and  worthy  colleague,  the 
llev.  Samuel  T.  Moorman,  began  to  take  effect ;  and  with 
the  opening  of  the  spring,  the  signs  of  a  general  revival 
everywhere  became  apparent.  The  membership  was  quick- 
ened, sinners  were  awakened,  "  and  there  was  a  noise  and 
a  shaking  among  the  dry  bones  of  the  valley." 

We  have  been  favoured  with  a  communication  from  the 
Rev.  John  G.  Claiborne,  of  Brunswick,  containing  many 
interesting  recollections  of  Mr.  Childs,  a  part  of  which 
relates  to  the  portion  of  his  life  now  under  review.  The 
following  extract  is  made^in  this  connection,  from  this  com- 
munication : — 

6* 


54 


I/IFE  OP  TOE 


Roslin,  Brunswick  Connty,  Va.,  November  22d;  1850. 

Dear  Brother  : — I  have  lately  received  your  letter, 
requesting  me  to  contribute  to  the  materials  which  you  are 
collecting  for  the  life  of  the  late  Rev.  John  Wesley  Childs. 
I  very  cordially  avail  myself  of  the  opportunity  to  aid  in 
fulfilling  the  will  and  the  words  of  the  Lord,  that  "  the 
righteous  shall  be  in  everlasting  remembrance."  More- 
over, I  shall,  iu  performing  a  religious  duty,  pay  an  hum- 
ble tribute  of  gratitude  to  the  memory  of  a  friend  whose 
pastoral  nurture,  sanctified  by  the  word  of  God  and  prayer, 
hath  often  ministered  grace  unto  me  when  feeble  and  ready 
to  faint  through  manifold  temptations. 

I  became  acquainted  with  the  Rev.  John  W.  Childs  in 
the  year  1828,  the  time  of  his  first  appointment  as  pastor 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  the  Brunswick  cir- 
cuit. The  Rev.  Samuel  T.  Moorman  was  his  colleague. 
They  were  young  men,  and  young  in  the  ministry,  but  they 
were  "true  yokefellows,"  and  gave  no  man  any  occasion 
to  "  despise  their  youth ;"  but  were  "  examples  of  the  be- 
lievers in  word,  in  conversation,  in  charity,  in  spirit,  in 
faith,  in  purity."  Their  circuit  then  embraced  a  district 
of  country  sixty  miles  iu  length  and  twenty-five  in  breadth, 
in  which  there  were  between  twenty-five  and  thirty  stated 
appointments.  But  they  "endured  hardness  as  good 
soldiers  of  Jesus  Christ,"  and  approved  themseves  the 
ministers  of  God,  in  labours  abundant,  in  much  patience, 
in  fastings  often,  in  watchings  unceasing,  "  by  pureness, 
by  knowledge,  by  longsuftering,  by  kindness,  by  the  Holy 
Ghost,  by  love  unfeigned,  by  the  word  of  truth,  by  the 
power  of  God;"  for  God  divinely  authenticated  their 
ministry  by  the  broad  seal  of  his  Spirit  inscribed  on  the 
regenerated  hearts  of  hundreds  who  believed.  There  were, 
[  think,  nearly  three  hundred  added  to  the  church  on  the 
Brunswick  circuit  that  year.  I  was  licensed  a  local 
preacher  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  the  year  of 
their  ministry  on  this  circuit.  Duty  and  inclination  asso- 
ciated me  often  with  them,  and  they  are  still  associated, 
" pars  nobile  fratrum,"  in  my  fondest  and  most  grateful  re- 


ItEY.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHIEDS. 


55 


collections.  Propriety  suggests  that,  in  this  communica- 
tion, I  should  say  no  more  of  Brother  Moorman. 

I  continue  my  recollections  of  Brother  Childs  at  that 
period.  lie  habitually  arose  from  bed  very  early  in  the 
morning — before  the  dawn  of  day  in  the  winter — and,  careful 
not  to  disturb  the  family  with  whom  he  sojourned,  or  any 
one  occupying  the  same  room  with  himself,  he  quietly  kin- 
dled a  fire  when  necessary,  lighted  a  candle,  and,  with  the 
Bible  before  him,  on  bended  knees  he  silently  sought  in 
the  Scriptures,  with  devout  meditation  and  prayer,  the 
deep  things  of  God.  Thus  he  exercised  himself  until  others 
were  up  and  preparations  made  for  family  worship  :  at  this 
he  was  always  present,  and  either  led  or  accompanied  with 
fervency  of  spirit.  He  often,  and  especially  at  night,  suc- 
ceeded the  usual  family  devotions  with  singing  an  appro- 
priate hymn  or  spiritual  song,  which  rendered  the  occasion 
more  impressive  and  profitable.  He  was  richly  furnished 
with  the  best  effusions  of  the  sweet  bards  of  Israel,  ami, 
like  their  royal  master,  he  sought  to  waft  on  melody  his 
devotions  to  the  throne  of  God.  His  visits  were  all  pas- 
toral, and  bis  pastoral  offices  were  executed  with  fullness 
aud  fidelity ;  yet  with  such  deference,  meekness,  kindness, 
and  sympathy  as  dissolved  in  love  every  bitter  ingredient, 
and  rendered  them  grateful  to  the  most  fastidious  taste,  and 
healing  and  nourishing  in  their  effects.  He  was,  at  this 
period,  a  man  of  one  work,  and,  for  the  most  part,  of  one 
booh- — that  book  was  the  Holy  Bible,  and  that  work  was 
the  salvation  of  his  own  soul  and  of  the  souls  of  those  to 
whom  the  providence  of  God  gave  him  access.  To  this  he 
devoted  every  faculty  of  body,  mind,  and  spirit,  with  a  dili- 
geuce  that  never  tired  and  a  zeal  that  never  abated,  "  con- 
stant in  season,  out  of  season,"  "warning  every  man,  and 
teaching  every  man,  that  he  might  present  every  man  per- 
fect in  Christ  Jesus."  He  regarded  his  own  heart  with 
watchful  jealousy,  and  rebuked  with  severe  abstinence  and 
self-denial  every  disposition  to  exercise  its  affections  in 
matters  of  temporal  interest  or  indulgence,  "crucifying  the 
flesh  with  the  lust  thereof." 

In  his  pulpit  ministrations,  he  sought  not  "excellency 


56 


LIFE  OF  THE 


of  speech  or  of  human  wisdom,"  but  rigidly  confined 
himself  to  the  "  word  of  the  testimony,"  delivering  his 
message  in  scriptural  phrase,  "not  in  words  which  man's 
wisdom  teacheth,  but  which  the  Holy  Ghost  teacheth, 
comparing  spiritual  things  with  spiritual."  Hence,  his 
sermons  were  not  attractive  to  the  vulgar  taste  by  aught 
that  was  new  or  brilliant;  but  were  plain,  practical, 
pointed,  and  often  attended  by  the  demonstration  of  the 
Spirit.  His  inordinate  conviction  of  the  deceitfulness  and 
natural  depravity  of  his  heart  was  the  principle  which 
prompted  the  rigid  discipline  to  which  he  subjected  him- 
self, and  caused  him  to  forego  all  special  preparation, 
and  to  reject  all  adventitious  aids  in  his  public  minis- 
try. Those  who  were  unapprized  of  this  principle,  formed 
wrong  conceptions  of  his  condition  and  character.  Some 
regarded  him  as  a  fanatic;  others,  as  a  monomaniac;  and 
nearly  all  thought  him  ultra;  but  the  generous  sym- 
pathy and  liberal  indulgence  which  he  extended  to  others 
indicated  the  spirit  of  love  which  animated  his  zeal,  com- 
mended him  to  every  man's  conscience  as  a  holy  minister 
of  God,  and  secured  to  him  the  veneration  and  cordial 
affection  of  all  with  whom  he  held  converse.  He  left  us 
at  the  expiration  of  the  conference  year,  enriched  by  many 
seals  to  his  ministry;  endeared  to  the  hearts  and  grateful 
affections  of  his  people,  and  approved  unto  God,  a  work- 
man that  needed  not  to  be  ashamed,  having  faithfully  and 
successfully  administered  the  word  of  truth. 

The  remainder  of  Rev.  Mr.  Claiborne's  communication 
relates  to  a  later  period  of  Mr.  Childs's  life,  and  will  there- 
fore be  reserved  till  we  meet  this  man  of  God  again,  on  the 
Brunswick  circuit,  near  the  close  of  his  ministerial  labours. 
The  foregoing  shows  the  type  of  the  man  at  an  early  pe- 
riod in  the  history  of  his  pastoral  work.  The  people  of 
his  care  became  tenderly  attached  to  him  ;  and,  at  the  close 
of  the  conference  year,  he  left  his  charge,  .beloved  by  all. 
No  man  ever  exerted  a  more  holy  and  salutary  influence 
upon  the  piety  of  a  community  than  did  Mr.  Childs,  in 
1828,  upon  the  Brunswick  circuit. 


REV.  JOnN  WESLEY  CFIILDS. 


57 


He  attended  the  session  of  the  Conference  held  for  that 
year,  in  the  month  of  February,  in  the  town  of  Lynchburg-, 
Virginia,  from  which  he  was  appointed  to  the  Caroline  cir- 
cuit, lying  north-west  of  the  city  of  Richmond,  and  em- 
bracing a  section  of  the  State  noted,  at  that  time,  for  its 
church  difficulties  and  religious  controversies. 

The  Baptists,  as  a  denomination,  had  long  had  the  pre- 
dominance in  this  portion  of  the  country  ;  and  there  had 
been  some  rather  unfriendly  controversies  between  the 
Methodists  and  Baptists,  touching  the  mode  and  subjects 
of  water  baptism.  The  spirit  of  reform  was  also  agitat- 
ing the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at  that  time ;  and  the 
Caroline  circuit  had  not  escaped  its  effects.  Some  few 
members  had  left  the  church,  and  unfortunate  difficulties 
had  arisen  in  some  of  the  societies.  The  result  was, 
scarcely  any  thing  was  heard  from  the  pulpit  but  the  con- 
troversial discussions  of  points  of  Christian  doctrine  and 
questions  of  church  government.  In  the  midst  of  this  sea 
of  strife,  the  subject  of  this  biography  was  thrown  when 
the  storm  was  at  its  height,  and  when  shipwreck  and 
disaster  threatened  the  dearest  interests  of  the  church  of 
Christ.  But  Mr.  Childs  was  a  man  of  peace;  independent 
in  his  views  and  in  his  expression  of  them,  but  kind  and 
respectful  to  those  who  entertained  opposing  opinions.  He 
carefully  abstained  from  participating  in  the  controversies 
so  rife  in  the  land,  and  set  himself  to  work  to  call  off  the 
minds  of  his  people  from  the  exciting  and  profitless  sub- 
jects in  debate.  He  clearly  saw  that  in  the  endless  strife 
about  icaler,  "the  hlood  of  sprinkling"  was  forgotten; 
that  personal  religion  was  scarcely  once  thought  of,  while 
party,  party  was  everything.  His  soul  sickened  within 
him.  He  was  ill  at  ease.  He  thought  of  the  pleasant 
scenes  of  the  past  year  on  the  Brunswick  circuit;  of  the 
seasons  of  "  refreshing  from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  f 
of  the  souls  brought  to  Christ ;  of  the  prosperity  of  the 
church,  and,  looking  around  upon  the  scene  of  spiritual  de- 
solation that  met  his  eye  on  every  hand,  he  was  cast  down 
and  dispirited.    This  we  learn  from  the  following  letter, 


58 


LIFE  OF  THE 


which  he  wrote  to  his  warm  and  devoted  friend,  the  Kev. 
J.  G.  Claiborne,  of  the  Brunswick  circuit : — 

Caroline  Circuit,  July  24th,  1829. 

Dear  Brother  Claiborne  : — I  have  had  but  little  in- 
telligence from  you  since  I  left  the  Brunswick  circuit.  My 
prayer,  however,  has  been  that  the  great  "  Head  of  the 
church"  would  continue  his  blessings  among  you,  and  that 
we  all  may  be  kept  through  faith  unto  full  salvation. 

My  labour  this  year  is  partly  missionary ;  our  circuit, 
having  only  nine  classes  in  it,  is  spread  over  a  vast  tract  of 
country,  and  is  decidedly  the  largest  circuit  (though  divided 
at  Conference)  that  I  have  yet  travelled.  We  have  succeeded 
in  filling  up  our  time  as  to  appointments,*  having  now 
twenty-two  in  four  weeks,  and  yet  there  is  ground  unoccu- 
pied. With  regard  to  vital  piety,  we  may  say,  in  truth, 
"a  moral  waste"  presents  itself — not  alluding  to  our  mem- 
bers particularly,  for  I  find  here  some  of  "  the  salt  of  the 
earth."  But  the  general  cry  without  seems  to  be  "  bap- 
tism, baptism  ;"  as  though  this  were  "  the  great  command- 
ment," and  ali  the  law  and  the  gospel  hung  upon  it.  Oh  ! 
when  shall  darkness  be  driven  from  the  face  of  our  earth, 
and  the  knowledge  of  God  cover  it  as  the  waters  cover  the 
face  of  the  great  deep. 

As  yet  we  have  but  little  fruit  of  our  labour.  We  have 
had  comfortable  times  among  our  members  generally; 
though  two  have  broken  ground  and  gone  to  the  Baptist 
brethren.  We  have  some  mourners,  and  a  few  converts. 
But  I  am  not  satisfied.  My  prayer  is,  that  God  would 
send  a  mighty  flood  of  grace  and  salvation  upon  the  people. 
My  dear  brother,  add  the  strength  of  your  prayers  to  the 
weakness  of  mine,  and  the  Lord,  in  fulfilment  of  his  pro- 
mise, will  give  us  the  desire  of  our  hearts. 

I  am  as  much,  and  even  more  than  ever  convinced  that 
nothing  will  avail  instead  of  heart-felt  piety.  It  is  my 
mournful  experience  to  find  that  there  are  but  few  profes- 
sors of  religion — and  professors,  too,  among  the  Methodists 


*  The  Rev.  AV.  W.  Kenningham  was  his  colleague  that  year. 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


59 


— whose  company  is  not  deleterious  to  a  growth  in  grace. 
Indeed,  so  great  has  been  the  current  of  popular  example, 
that  I  have  been  moved  in  some  measure  from  my  stead- 
fastness; and  the  fatal  temptation,  "  Take  thine  ease,"  has 
wellnigh  swept  me  from  my  moorings.  But  blessed  be 
God,  my  fixed  purpose  is  "  to  give  myself  wholly  to  prayer" 
and  to  the  work  of  the  ministry ;  and,  my  dear  brother, 
pray  that  my  faith  fail  not.  When  with  you,  I  have  fre- 
quently remarked  that  without  a  true  sense  of  God's  pre- 
sence we  could  do  nothing  towards  reforming  the  world. 
I  still  feel  this  to  be  true.  ('"We  may  pronounce  words,  'tis 
true,  but  what  are  they  unless  God  be  in  the  word  and  in 
the  soundj)  Ah !  Samson,  with  the  jawbone  of  a  dead 
animal,  will  do  more  than  Goliath  with  all  his  armour. 
My  God  is  still  with  me,  and  I  think  my  whole  soul  is 
ripening  for  heaven.  Oh  when  shall  I  meet  you,  with  all 
our  religious  friends,  in  that  happy  place  !  My  bodily 
health  has  been  much  impaired  since  Conference;  though 
now  I  believe  myself  something  better.  However,  Jesus 
is  precious;  and  to  die  would  be  infinite  gain.  How  often 
do  I  reflect  upon  the  happy  seasons  we  have  had  together, 
and  immediately  I  look  forward  and  ask,  "  Shall  we  meet 
in  heaven  t"  All,  all  my  Brunswick  friends,  shall  I  meet 
them  there  ?  "While  I  ask  the  question,  I  could  wet  my 
paper  with  my  tears.  Tell  them,  oh !  tell  them  all  to 
meet  me  there. 

Since  I  left  you,  my  dear  father  has  taken  his  departure 
for  that  happy  country.  For  it  he  had  been  contending 
for  more  than  fifty  years.  He  left  the  world  shouting 
"  glory."    Bray,  how  does  your  dear  father  travel  on  ? 

I  hope  never  to  forget  you  and  the  souls  that  God  hath 
given-you.  Bear  up  amid  all  the  difficulties  of  the  way, 
and  heaven  will  reward  you  at  the  last. 

When  I  was  with  you,  I  was  afraid  that  the  temptation 
to  ease  was  so  great  that  a  circuit  where  more  hardness 
was  to  be  endured  would  suit  me  better.  I  am  here  sur- 
rounded with  Baptists — some  of  whom  are  friendly,  while 
others  are  hostile.  Indeed,  this  seems  to  be  their  head- 
quarters.   Our  Methodist  friends  are  remarkably  kind; 


60 


LIFE  OF  THE 


and  I  have  every  reason  to  be  satisfied,  could  I  see  souls 
justified  and  sanctified.  O  Lord,  "revive  thy  work,"  and 
give  me  souls  for  my  hire  !  I  hope  that  you  have  a  pros- 
perous time,  and  that  the  good  Lord  is  abundantly  refresh- 
ing you  and  the  church.  Does  your  class  continue  to  pros- 
per ?    Do  you  experience  heaven  still  in  your  own  soul  ? 

Does  Sister  C  rejoice  evermore  ?    God  is  my  witness 

that  I  love  you  and  pray  for  you.  That  earnest  wrestling 
with  God,  let  us  never  give  up,  until  our  souls  are  landed 
safely  in  Abraham's  bosom.  I  could  say  much  more,  for 
my  heart  swells  within  me.  Love,  I  feel,  shall  be  my 
song.  Oh  !  for  a  gust  of  praise  to  go  to  the  ends  of  the 
earth.  Affectionately  yours, 

Joiin  "Wesley  Ciiilds. 

This  letter  is  a  fair  specimen  of  the  spirit  and  style  in 
which  Mr.  Childs  wrote  to  his  Christian  friends  at  this 
stage  of  his  ministry.  Ileligion  was  his  theme.  He  seemed 
rarely  ever  disposed  to  write  or  converse,  for  any  length  of 
time,  on  any  other  subject.  He  seemed  to  live  in  a  spi- 
ritual atmosphere  that  invested  him  like  a  garment;  and 
he  carried  it  with  him  wherever  he  moved.  We  cannot 
fail  to  discover  from  this  letter,  as  a  specimen,  that  there 
was  a  great  deal  of  ardour  and  zeal  about  him  in  his  early 
days.  He  was  warm  and  rapturous  in  his  religious  emo- 
tions. And  yet  his  zeal  and  fervour  were  tempered  with 
knowledge. 

He  refers,  incidentally,  in  the  letter  above,  to  the  death 
of  his  father.  He  was  deeply  affected  by  this  bereave- 
ment, and  yet  he  met  it  with  extraordinary  Christian  re- 
signation. The  removal  of  his  friends  and  relatives  from 
earth  only  seemed  to  strengthen  the  tics  that  bound  him 
to  heaven.  He  looked  upward  through  his  tears,  and 
saw  the  bow  of  God's  providence  bending  upon  the  bosom 
of  the  dark  cloud  of  sorrow  above  him,  and  then  bowed 
submissively  at  the  altar  of  resignation  and  said,  "  The  will 
of  the  Lord  be  done."  Amid  all,  he  laboured  on — never 
halting — never  wavering.  He  was  unmoved  by  trials  and 
afflictions. 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


61 


As  the  year  progressed,  there  was  an  increase  of  religious 
interest  on  the  circuit.  Sinners  were  awakened,  and  peni- 
tents converted  :  this  revived  and  cheered  him  in  his  work. 
He  was  not  content  without  seals  to  his  ministry.  There 
were  but  comparatively  few  Methodists  in  his  circuit ; 
these  for  the  most  part  he  had  found  good  and  true ;  and 
in  all  the  classes  he  found  deep,  experimental  religion; 
but  his  cry  was,  "  Lord,  give  me  souls  for  my  hire." 

In  the  month  of  December  he  wrote  as  follows  to  his 
friend  in  Brunswick: — "Our  circuit  seems  to  stand  fast, 
and  I  hope  that  vital  piety  is  spreading  in  this  country. 
AVe  have  a  gradual  increase ;  and,  blessed  be  God,  I 
rejoice  to  say,  some  of  them  bid  fair  to  make  firm  and  use- 
ful members  of  the  church.  I  am  endeavouring  still  to 
pursue  the  road  to  that  glorious  city,  of  which  it  is  said, 
'  There  is  no  night  there.'  'Tis  true,  if  any  man  will  get 
there,  he  must  deny  himself,  take  up  his  cross,  and  follow 
the  footsteps  of  his  Master.  But  with  Christ  in  my  soul, 
all  is  easy ;  and  I  am  making  progress  in  Divine  things. 
My  soul  is  feasting  from  day  to  day  on  the  bread  of 
heaven.  The  enemy  thrusts  hard  at  me,  that  I  may  fall ; 
but  hitherto  God  has  helped  me,  and  I  will  trust  and  not 
be  afraid." 

He  closed  up  his  year's  labours  on  the  Caroline  circuit, 
not  without  seals  to  his  ministry.  The  people  became 
warmly  attached  to  him,  and  gave  him  up  with  a  great 
deal  of  reluctance.  The  church  on  the  circuit  had  pros- 
pered under  his  labours,  and  he  left  the  charge  in  a  better 
condition  than  he  found  it. 

Up  to  this  period,  we  find  him  everywhere  the  same 
self-denying,  watchful,  faithful  Christian.  His  conscience 
was  as  tender  as  "  the  apple  of  an  eye."  He  continued  to 
guard  against  ease  and  slothfulness.  These  he  feared  and 
avoided  as  he  would  a  serpent.  He  seemed  afraid  of  him- 
self. He  speaks  of  being  wellnigh  swept  from  his  moorings 
and  carried  off  with  the  current.  But  no  one  ever  saw, 
during  this  time,  any  thing  in  his  life  or  conversation  that 
in  the  remotest  degree  indicated  the  slightest  wavering  in 
his  course.    The  fact  is,  he  was  extremely  jealous  of  him- 


LIFE  OF  THE 


self,  and  often  condemned  himself,  and  wrote  bitter  things 
of  himself,  when,  to  the  most  scrutinizing  eye,  he  pre- 
sented an  example  as  nearly  blameless  as  could  be  expected 
from  any  human  being.  But  his  standard  was  high,  and 
he  saw  defects  that  escaped  the  eyes  of  others. 

He  went  to  the  Conference  held  for  that  year,  in  the 
month  of  February,  in  the  city  of  Richmond,  Virginia, 
and  was  appointed  to  the  Mecklenburg  circuit,  where  we 
shall  pursue  his  life  and  labours  in  the  next  chapter. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

mecklenburg  and  greensville  circuits. 
1830  and  1831. 

Early  at  his  work — His  labour — Revival — Letter  to  Mr.  Claiborne 
— His  habits  and  temper  of  mind — Influence — Successful  year — 
Goes  to  Conference — Is  appointed  to  the  Greenville  cii-cuit — Rev. 
R.  G.  Bass  his  colleague — Walks  round  his  circuit — His  reasons  for 
it — Difficulties  on  the  circuit — Attends  Conference — Is  appointed  to 
the  Buckingham  circuit. 

With  his  usual  promptitude,  Mr.  Childs  hastened  to 
his  circuit  immediately  on  the  adjournment  of  the  Con- 
ference. The  Mecklenburg  circuit  then  embraced  a  very 
large  district  of  country  lying  on  the  north  side  of  the 
Roanoke  river,  and  comprehending  parts  of  Nottoway, 
Prince  Edward,  and  Charlotte  counties,  with  nearly  the 
whole  of  Lunenburg  and  Mecklenburg.  Nearly  every  day 
of  the  whole  four  weeks  included  in  the  tour  of  the  circuit 
was  filled  with  an  appointment.  Mr.  Childs's  health  was 
not  very  firm,  and  yet  he  punctually  met  his  appointments. 
He,  perhaps,  did  not  have  sufficient  regard  to  his  health 
in  this  matter.  It  was  of  but  little  concern  to  him  how 
the  weather  might  be — his  appointments  must  not  be  ne- 
glected.   Through  rain  and  snow,  and  cold  and  heat,  he 


KF.V.  JOHN  WESLEY  GUILDS. 


63 


pressed  on ;  and  scarcely  ever  failed  to  reach  an  appoint- 
ment in  due  time.  His  punctuality  in  this  regard  was 
remarkable.  The  people  of  the  respective  neighbourhoods 
of  his  appointments  knew  that  he  would  certainly  be  pre- 
sent, unless  providentially  hindered,  and  that  he  would 
commence  the  religious  services  at  the  time  appointed. 
The  consequence  was,  he  rarely  ever  failed  to  have  a  con- 
gregation assembled  at  the  hour  at  which  he  had  given 
previous  notice  he  might  be  expected  to  preach. 

On  the  Mecklenburg  circuit,  as  on  those  which  he  had 
travelled  the  two  preceding  years,  he  had,  at  first,  to  com- 
bat some  prejudices  which  his  unusual  strictness  excited. 
In  the  class-room,  he  went  into  a  searching  examination 
of  his  members,  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining,  as  clearly 
as  he  might  be  able,  the  state  of  piety  among  his  people. 
The  cold  and  formal  he  exhorted  to  increased  diligence  in 
the  use  of  the  means  of  grace  ;  the  worldly-minded  he  ad- 
monished and  reproved  ;  the  light  and  trifling  he  rebuked ; 
the  erring  he  laboured  to  reclaim.  Some  felt  a  little 
chafed  and  irritated  at  his  course — some  complained ;  but 
this  did  not  change  his  course.  Steadily  he  pursued  his 
work,  and,  in  a  very  short  time,  his  influence  began  to  be 
felt,  and  the  happy  results  were  everywhere  manifest.  He 
preached  in  the  most  heart-searching  manner,  and  then 
followed  up  the  exhortations  and  instructions  of  the  pulpit 
by  private  appeals  and  personal  admonitions.  He  visited 
from  house  to  house,  spending  a  few  hours  with  each  family, 
reading  the  word  of  God  and  praying  with  the  household. 
He  sought  out  the  sick  and  infirm,  and  ministered  to  their 
wants,  temporal  and  spiritual,  as  his  means  and  other  cir- 
cumstances would  allow.  No  part  of  his  duty  as  a  preacher 
of  the  everlasting  gospel  and  a  minister  of  a  holy  religion 
was  omitted.  He  was  truly  "instant  in  season,  out  of 
season,"  and  wherever  he  went  he  left  the  savour  of  a 
holy  influence  and  a  godly  example.  The  people  every- 
where "  took  knowledge  of  him  that  he  had  been  with 
Jesus." 

We  are  dependent,  almost  exclusively,  upon  personal 
recollections  of  Mr.  Childs  for  all  that  we  know  of  the 


64 


LIFE  OF  THE 


results  of  this  year's  labours.    He  did  not  preserve  his  *" 
diary,  if  indeed  he  kept  one  at  this  stage  of  his  ministry, 
and  we  have  but  few  letters  written  by  him  while  on  the 
Mecklenburg  circuit.    His  correspondence,  in  fact,  seems 
to  have  been  limited  at  this  time. 

From  a  letter,  under  date  October  24th,  1830,  ad- 
dressed to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Claiborne,  he  writes  as  follows : — 
"  Through  the  tender  mercies  of  God  I  am  spared,  and  my 
health  is  renewed,  from  day  to  day,  as  the  eagle's.  I  can 
hardly  tell  what  for;  yet  infinite  Wisdom  knows  best.  I 
am  fully  satisfied  that  '  life  is  war,  eternal  war  with  wo  ;' 
and,  in  general,  '  they  who  bear  it  best,  deserve  it  least.' 
But  I  learn, 

'  Tho  rougher  the  blast,  the  sooner  'tis  past — 
The  tempests  that  rise 
Shall  gloriously  hurry  our  souls  to  the  skies.' 

Then  let  us  submit,  and  with  the  Saviour  say,  '  Not  as  I 
will,  but  as  thou  wilt.'    Even  so  assist,  Lord  Jesus. 

"  I  fondly  anticipated  an  interview  with  you  at  our  camp- 
meeting.  What  prevented  your  coining?  The  weather 
was  unfavourable,  but  the  Lord  was  eminently  present 
with  us.  Say  about  fifty  professed  to  find  the  pearl  of 
great  price.  The  Lord  is  reviving  his  work  on  our  circuit ; 
and,  in  various  places,  the  altars  are  crowded  with  mourners. 
But  I  long  to  sue  the  Lord  take  to  him  his  glory,  and  cover 
the  earth  with  his  knowledge." 

We  have  no  means  of  determining  how  many  persons 
embraced  religion,  under  his  ministry,  during  the  year; 
but  from  the  allusion  to  the  gracious  work  in  progress  at 
the  time  he  wrote  the  letter  from  which  the  extract  is 
made  above,  and  from  the  statements  of  those  who  lived 
in  the  circuit  during  the  year  of  his  labours  there,  we  learn 
that  a  very  extensive  revival  prevailed,  in  which  many 
sinners  were  brought  to  Christ. 

From  the  sentiment  of  the  letter  just  quoted,  it  would 
seem  that  Mr.  Childs  was  indeed  tired  of  the  world.  He 
seems  to  have  prized  life  rather  slightly.  One  would  infer 
that  he  was  rather  "  impatient  to  be  gone."    But  no  un- 


REV.  JOIIN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


65 


just  inference  should  be  drawn  from  the  sentiment  of  this 
letter.  It  is  very  certain  that  he  did  not  highly  value  life, 
except  as  a  means  of  doing  good.  He  did  not  live  to  eat 
and  drink  and  to  enjoy  sensual  gratifications.  He  mor- 
tified the  body,  and  "crucified  the  flesh  with  its  affections 
and  lusts  ;"  and  was  ever  looking  forward  to  the  hour  of 
his  dismissal  from  this  life  as  the  period  of  his  introduction 
into  real  and  substantial  joy.  And,  with  St.  Paul,  he  was 
ever  ready  to  say,  "  I  have  a  desire  to  depart  and  to  be 
with  Christ."  And  yet  he  was  resigned  patiently  to  suffer 
and  to  toil,  till  his  Master  should  call  him  away  to  his 
reward. 

It  must  be  admitted  that,  at  this  period  of  his  ministry, 
he  did  not  enter  into  the  social  enjoyments  of  life  to  the 
extent  that  one  would  think  he  innocently  and  profitably 
might  have  done.  His  presence  instantly  checked  what 
many  pious  persons  regard  as  innocent  humour  and  mirth- 
fulness  ;  and  he,  at  that  time,  scarcely  ever  indulged  in 
anecdote  of  any  sort,  or  in  conversation  that  excited,  at 
most,  any  thing  more  than  a  smile.  But  his  whole  de- 
meauour,  withal,  was  so  gentle  and  meek,  and  his  spirit  so 
devout,  that  one  could  scarcely  see  how  lie  could  act  other- 
wise than  he  did.  He  prayed  so  much,  and  conversed  so 
constantly  on  the  subject  of  religion,  that  he  seemed,  while 
treading  this  earth,  to  be  the  denizen  of  another  sphere. 
So  heavenly-minded  was  he,  that  he  seemed  rarely  ever  to 
indulge  a  thought  of  earth.  He  expended  but  little,  ex- 
ceedingly little,  upon  his  person,  and  every  surplus  cent 
he  had  on  hand  he  gave  to  the  poor  and  to  charitable  and 
benevolent  objects.  There  are  hundreds  now  living  who 
will  bear  testimony  that  the  representation  here  given  of 
his  life  rather  falls  below  than  exceeds  the  facts  in  the 
case.  His  presence  seemed  almost  to  excite  a  holy  awe  in 
the  minds  of  those  who  were  thrown  with  him ;  for  he 
always  seemed  just  down  from  the  mount  of  communion 
with  God.  The  effects  of  his  example  arc  felt  to  this  day 
on  the  Mecklenburg  circuit ;  and  in  eternity,  doubtless, 
many  will  rise  up  to  call  him  blessed  as  the  results  of  his 
ministry  in  1830. 

6* 


66 


LIFE  OF  THE 


He  closed  up  his  labours,  and  left  his  circuit  beloved 
and  lamented  by  all.  On  his  last  round  on  the  circuit, 
the  people  hung  upon  him  and  wept  when  taking  leave  of 
him ;  but  he  commended  them  to  God  and  the  word  of  his 
grace,  and  said,  "  The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done  I" 

He  went  to  the  Conference,  held  in  February,  1831,  in 
the  town  of  Newbern,  North  Carolina,  from  which  he  was 
assigned,  for  the  ensuing  year,  to  the  Greenville  circuit, 
adjoining  the  Mecklenburg  on  the  east. 

Having  travelled  two  circuits — the  Brunswick  and  the 
Mecklenburg — adjoining  his  new  field  of  labour,  he  was 
not  entirely  unknown  to  the  church  in  Greenville.  Many 
of  the  brethren  had  heard  him  preach,  and  had  witnessed 
the  results  of  his  labours  as  a  pastor  and  a  preacher  in  the 
circuits  just  named.  He  was  received  very  cordially,  and 
a  wide  and  effectual  door  was  opened  to  him  on  his  en- 
trance upon  his  work. 

As  might  be  anticipated,  various  exaggerated  representa- 
tions of  his  habits  of  life,  plainness  of  apparel,  strictness 
in  watching  over  his  members,  and  so  forth,  had  been  made 
in  some  parts  of  the  circuit.  On  his  first  round,  the  people 
flocked  to  see  him  as  well  as  to  hear  him.  Curiosity  was 
soon  gratified;  and  the  congregations  everywhere  were 
deeply  impressed  by  his  preaching  and  manner  of  life. 

The  Rev.  Rowland  G.  Bass  was  Mr.  Childs's  colleague 
on  the  Greenville  circuit.  He  was  a  young  man  of  deep 
piety,  whose  heart  was  fully  in  the  work  of  the  ministry ; 
and,  in  many  respects,  he  seems  to  have  been  peculiarly 
suited  for  companionship  with  Mr.  Childs.  He  was  docile, 
meek,  self-denying,  and  impressible.  It  is  not  an  impro- 
bable conjecture,  that  the  manifestation  of  his  piety  took 
mould  and  complexion  from  the  spirit,  life,  and  labours 
of  Mr.  Childs.  They  had  been  associated  together  on  the 
Mecklenburg  circuit,  the  previous  year,  where  their  ac- 
quaintance and  friendship  commenced ;  and  from  a  letter 
written  by  Mr.  Childs  to  Mr.  Bass,  immediately  on  the 
adjournment  of  Conference,  we  learn  that  Mr.  Childs  de- 
voutly recognised  the  hand  of  Providence  in  again  casting 
their  lots  together.    In  this  letter,  he  says  to  his  young 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


07 


brother  and  co-labourer,  "  Ob  let  us  set  out  afresb  to  win 
the  prize  and  labour  for  souls." 

We  have  introduced  Mr.  Bass  to  the  reader  with  some 
particularity,  because  of  the  intimacy  and  warm  attachment 
which  grew  up  between  him  and  Mr.  Childs,  and  because 
of  the  correspondence  which  was  kept  up  between  them 
till  the  death  of  Mr.  Bass,  which  occurred  in  1838.  These 
men  of  God  commenced  their  labours  on  the  Greenville 
circuit  with  characteristic  zeal  and  fidelity,  and  they  did 
not  labour  in  vain.  The  church  was  revived,  and  sinners 
were  brought  to  the  foot  of  the  cross. 

We  are  now  called  on,  in  the  prosecution  of  the  life  of 
Mr.  Childs,  to  introduce  another  feature  in  his  history — a 
feature  which,  in  some  sort,  affected  the  whole  of  his  sub- 
sequent life. 

He  seems  to  have  taken  up  the  opinion,  that  it  was  his 
duty  to  travel  on  foot  while  engaged  in  preachiug  the  gos- 
pel. It,  indeed,  amounted  to  a  solemn  conviction  upon 
his  mind;  and  for  many  weeks  he  was  singularly  exercised 
on  this  subject.  He  clearly  foresaw  that  it  would  expose 
him  to  the  pity  of  some,  and  to  the  scorn  and  ridicule  of 
others.  He  prayed  over  it,  wept  over  it,  and  conversed 
with  some  pious  persons  in  reference  to  it ;  and  yet  there 
remained  the  conviction  in  his  conscience  that  he  must 
walk  and  preach.  After  some  time,  as  the  spring  began 
to  open  and  the  roads  became,  good,  he  left  his  horse  and 
took  his  saddle-bags  on  his  shoulders,  and  in  primitive  style 
started  round  his  circuit.  He  assigned,  among  other  rea- 
sons, the  following  for  adopting  this  mode  of  travelling: — 
First:  It  was,  as  he  believed,  conducive  to  his  health. 
Secondly :  He  could  the  more  conveniently  drop  in  with 
families  on  the  way,  and  dispense  the  word  of  salvation 
in  the  by-paths  of  life.  Thirdly  :  It  was  less  troublesome 
and  less  expensive  to  entertain  him.  Fourthly :  He  thereby 
set  aside  the  excuse  that  so  many  of  his  people  framed  to 
justify  their  neglect  of  the  week-day  appointments — 
namely,  that  their  horses  were  employed  in  the  cultivation 
of  the  farm,  and  it  was  too  far  to  walk  to  church.  Fifthly : 
He  thought  it  more  truly  apostolic. 


OS 


LIFE  OP  THE 


These  are  a  mere  specimen  of  the  reasons  which  he  as- 
signed for  travelling  on  foot  around  his  circuit.  There 
was  a  great  deal  of  opposition  to  his  course  ;  and  many  of 
his  brethren  remonstrated  with  him  on  the  subject.  But 
it  was  a  matter  of  conscience  with  him ;  and  whatever 
others  might  think,  he  believed  it  to  be  his  solemn  duty, 
in  the  fear  of  God,  when  his  health  and  other  circum- 
stances would  permit,  to  ical/c  and  preach.  The  subsequent 
parts  of  his  life  will  show  us  that  this  was  no  transient 
conviction  with  him.  It  did  not  end  with  a  single  experi- 
ment. It  was  not  the  result  of  a  mere  whim  or  fancy.  It 
was  not  an  enthusiastic  glare,  that  blazed  up  with  brilliancy 
for  an  hour,  and  then  expired  for  ever.  No  :  it  was  a  set- 
tled conviction,  that  haunted  him  through  life ;  and  it  will 
be  seen  that  his  religious  enjoyments  were  more  affected 
by  this  one  thing  than,  perhaps,  by  every  thing  besides. 
Let  us  not  be  hasty,  then,  in  deciding  upon  the  propriety 
or  impropriety  of  his  course.  Let  us  hear  him  speak  for 
himself,  as  he  frequently  docs,  at  a  later  period  of  his  life. 
We  admit  that  it  is  strange  that  he  should  have  been  so 
singularly  exercised,  and  for  so  long  a  time,  upon  a  matter 
which,  it  would  seem,  could  not  be  very  difficult  to  settle 
satisfactorily.  How  long  he  continued  to  travel  on  foot 
around  his  circuit  on  his  first  experiment,  we  do  not  know ; 
but,  in  the  month  of  June,  we  find  him  writing  to  Mr.  Bass 
in  relation  to  some  change  in  his  appointments,  and  he 
says,  by  the  way — "Bodily  infirmity  has  forced  me  to 
resume  travelling  on  horseback." 

His  abstemious  habits  and  abundant  labours  greatly  en- 
feebled him  ;  and  in  the  absence  of  a  sufficiently  nourish- 
ing diet,  he  was  not  able  to  endure  the  fatigue  of  walking 
from  appointment  to  appointment.  And  yet  nothing  short 
of  absolute  necessity  could  induce  him  to  resume  travelling 
on  horseback.  He  says,  he  was  "forced"  by  "bodily  in- 
firmity" to  resume  it.  He  must  therefore  have  believed 
that,  so  long  as  he  could  walk  and  preach,  he  was  in  the 
path  of  duty  in  so  doing.  If  the  experiment  had  been 
followed  by  a  loss  of  comfort,  or  an  abridgment  of  liberty 
and  success  in  preaching,  he  doubtless  would  have  aban- 


UEV. 


JOHN  WESLEY  CHTLDS. 


89 


doned  it,  without  being  forced  to  do  so  by  bodily  infirm- 
ity. He  was  not  an  obstinate  man.  He  bad  no  pride  of 
opinion  in  this  matter;  and  we  must  conclude  that  the 
experiment  made  by  him,  only  the  more  fully  settled 
the  conviction  in  his  mind  that,  to  be  happy,  he  must 
adopt  this  mode  of  carrying  the  message  of  salvation  to 
sinners. 

He  continued  his  labours,  in  the  midst  of  bodily  weak- 
ness and  sore  conflicts  of  mind,  until  the  end  of  the  Con- 
ference year.  In  December,  1831,  in  writing  to  his  col- 
league he  says,  "  I  feel  greatly  encouraged  still  to  mortify 
old  nature,  but  weep  and  mourn  that  I  have  been  so  much 
like  a  broken  reed.  Oh,  pray  that  God  may  heal  me  'that 
I  may  recover  strength  before  I  go  hence  and  be  no  more.' " 

There  does  not  appear  to  have  been  any  very  extensive 
revival  on  the  circuit  during  the  year ;  and  yet,  in  some 
neighbourhoods,  there  were  prosperous  times,  which  conti- 
nued, at  a  few  of  the  appointments,  up  to  the  hour  of 
leaving  the  circuit  for  Conference. 

This  was  a  year  of  more  than  ordinary  trial  to  Mr. 
Childs.  His  mode  of  travelling  excited  not  a  little  per- 
secution. This  he  brought  upon  himself.  He  met  it,  and 
passed  through  it  with  that  meekness  and  gentleness  for 
which  he  was  so  remarkable.  But  his  principal  trials  grew 
out  of  the  excitement  in  some  of  the  largest  and  best 
societies  in  the  circuit  on  the  subject  of  "lleform." 
Several  of  the  leading  members  subjected  themselves  to 
exclusion  from  the  church,  and  the  exercise  of  discipline  in 
these  cases  was  a  source  of  deep  and  painful  anxiety  to 
him.  But  he  was  firm  and  decided ;  and  perhaps  no  one 
ever  managed  so  delicate  a  matter  with  more  caution  and 
propriety  than  did  Mr.  Childs.  The  very  persons  who 
were  excluded  from  the  church,  and  who  voluntarily  with- 
drew under  his  administration,  continued,  till  the  day  of 
their  death,  to  cherish  the  kindest  Christian  regard  for  him, 
and  he  for  them. 

'  The  year's  labours  were  closed  up,  and  Mr.  Childs  re- 
paired to  the  Conference,  which  met  in  the  city  of  Norfolk, 
February,  1832.    From  this  Conference  he  was  appointed 


70 


LTFE  OF  THE 


to  the  Buckingham  circuit,  lying  south  of  James  River, 
and  between  the  city  of  Richmond  and  the  town  of  Lynch- 
burg. In  this  new  field  of  ministerial  labour  we  shall 
pursue  his  history  in  the  next  chapter. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

BUCKINGHAM  CIRCUIT.  1832. 

His  activity  in  his  work — Fidelity  as  a  preacher — Troubled  again  about 
walking  and  preaching — Letter  to  his  presiding  elder  on  the  sub- 
ject— Letter  to  Rev.  R.  G.  Bass— His  faithfulness  as  a  pastor — Sancti- 
fication— End  of  the  year-Attends  Conference,  and  appointed  presiding 
elder  of  the  Yadkin  district. 

We  bave  now  reached  a  period  in  the  life  of  Mr.  Childs 
from  which  we  are  better  supplied  with  material  for  a  con- 
nected history  of  his  religious  exercises  and  ministerial 
labours  than  we  have  been  in  the  previous  part  of  his  bio- 
graphy. His  correspondence  had  considerably  increased, 
and  from  this  year  forward  he  kept  a  diary,  fragments  of 
which  have  been  preserved;  and  from  these,  with  the  per- 
sonal recollections  which  have  been  furnished  us,  we  shall 
be  able  to  lay  before  the  reader  a  strictly  authentic  record 
of  his  every-day  life. 

Mr.  Childs  was  early  at  his  work,  and  with  his  accus- 
tomed diligence* and  zeal  commenced  his  pastoral  labours. 
His  appointments  were  regularly  met — the  classes  were 
led — the  delinquents  were  looked  after — the  erring  were 
reproved — the  desponding  were  encouraged — the  sick  and 
infirm  were  faithfully  visited ;  and  everywhere  he  went, 
his  godly  example,  his  earnest  prayers,  and  his  pious  ad- 
monitions produced  the  happiest  results. 

From  his  diary  we  learn  that  he  found  great  coldness 
and  worldly-mindedncss  in  some  portions  of  his  chargt;, 
while  here  and  there  he  met  with  persons  that  he  regarded 
as  decidedly  pious  and  deeply  coucerned  for  the  prosperity 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CI11LDS. 


71 


of  God's  cause  on  the  circuit.  His  great  aim  was  holiness, 
and  to  this  he  everywhere  laboured  to  lead  his  people.  He 
was  not  content  with  a  low  standard  of  religion,  or  with 
low  attainments  in  experimental  godliness.  He  preached 
on  the  subject,  and  urged  it  home  upon  the  consciences 
and  hearts  of  his  members.  He  held  the  opinions  of 
Wesley  and  Fletcher  upon  the  doctrine  of  sanctification  or 
holiness,  and  he  scarcely  ever  preached  a  sermon  in  which ' 
did  not  exhort  those  who  had  obtained  justification  to 
"go  on  to  perfection."  On  this  subject  he  always  grew 
warm  and  pathetic  in  a  hi<jh  degree,  and  as  he  added  scrip- 
ture to  scripture  on  this  vital  doctrine,  he  never  failed  to 
quote,  with  extraordinary  earnestness  and  power,  the  text, 
"  Without  holiness  no  man  shall  sec  the  Lord." 

The  effect  of  his  preaching  and  his  daily  walk  and  con- 
versation was  very  soon  apparent.  The  church  became 
more  prayerful — the  lukewarm  were  quickened — the  light 
and  trifling  became  more  thoughtful — the  congregations 
improved,  and  the  signs  of  revival  began  to  appear  in  every 
direction.  But,  as  constant  and  untiring  as  was  his  atten- 
tion to  the  spiritual  welfare  of  the  souls  committed  to  his 
care,  he  never  forgot  his  own  soul.  Personal  religion  was 
ever  the  first  concern  with  him.  He  kept  up  his  habits 
of  early  rising,  earnest  and  protracted  private  prayer,  con- 
stant perusal  of  the  Scriptures,  close  self-examination,  un- 
remitting watchfulness,  and  mortification  of  the  flesh. 

Strange  to  say,  the  subject  of  walking  and  preaching 
continued  to  exercise  his  mind.  It,  indeed,  gave  him  great 
trouble,  and  he  feared  that  he  could  not  preserve  a  good 
conscience  if  he  did  not  adopt  this  method  of  discharging 
his  calling.  He  prayed  over  the  subject — sought  direction 
from  God,  and  did  all  he  could  to  satisfy  his  mind  as  to 
his  duty. 

On  the  21st  of  April,  1832,  he  thus  writes  in  his  diary: 
"  How  has  my  mind  been  variously  exercised,  during  the 
last  week  or  two,  betwixt  two  ways  that  appear  to  be  pointed 
out  to  me  !  Lord,  direct  me  thyself — uphold  me — suffer 
not  my  footsteps  to  slip.  Thou  art  my  portion, — be  my 
God  and  guide  even  unto  death.    Oh  make  mo  an  efficient 


72 


LIFE  OF  THE 


labourer  in  thy  vineyard,  and  thy  name  shall  have  all  the 
glory  !" 

One  of  the  ways  to  which  he  alludes  above,  is  that  of 
walking  from  appointment  to  appointment,  and  from  house 
to  house,  in  preaching  Jesus  Christ  to  the  people.  Exer- 
cises of  this  character  continued  until  the  month  of  June 
in  that  year,  when  we  find  the  following  entry  : — "  I  have 
resumed  my  former  mode  of  travelling  on  foot.  Lord, 
thou  knowest  my  object  in  so  doing.  Is  it  not  to  preserve 
a  good  conscience  ?  Search  me  and  try  me,  and  discover 
if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me.  Oh  give  me  the  power 
of  thy  spirit  to  uphold  me  through  all  the  fatigue  and  op- 
position that  I  shall  have  to  contend  with !  Oh  refine  me 
by  thy  grace  from  all  the  dross  of  nature !  Let  me  be 
honest  and  open  in  all  my  movements."  This  is  the  lan- 
guage of  one  sincerely  striving  to  do  right. 

A  few  days  after  the  entry  just  quoted,  he  writes,  Juno 
14th  : — "  Yesterday  was,  in  many  respects,  a  precious  day 
to  me — called  to  see  a  man  far  gone  with  a  cancer — uncon- 
verted— talked  with  him — found  he  had  engaged  in  the 
salvation  of  his  soul,  but  had  measurably  fallen  asleep 
again.  He  appeared  to  have  his  desires  quickened — and 
left  him,  not  without  hope  that  God  would  be  gracious  to 
him.  Preached  at  Chestnut  Grove — words  seemed  to  flow, 
and  some  appeared  affected ;  but  have  not  yet  that  power 
which,  by  the  blessing  of  God,  I  hope  to  get,  to  enable  me 
'  to  do  the  work  of  an  evangelist,  and  make  full  proof  of 
my  ministry.'  Travelled,  say  twelve  miles  [on  foot] — my 
mind,  this  morning,  peaceful  and  happy — my  body  re- 
freshed, and  hope  to  have  strength  to  persevere.  O  Lord, 
help  me  to  bring  back  the  lost  sheep  of  the  house  of 
Israel  to  thy  fold." 

The  presiding  elder  of  the  district  had  remonstrated, 
the  previous  year,  against  his  walking  round  his  circuit, 
assigning  several  reasons  for  his  opposition  to  such  a  course. 
When  Mr.  Childs  resumed  this  mode  of  travelling  on  the 
Buckingham  circuit,  he  deemed  it  proper  to  write  to  the 
presiding  elder  on  the  subject,  which  he  did  as  follows : — 


RET.  JOnX  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


73 


Buckingham  Circuit,  Virginia  Conference, 
June  14th,  1S32. 

Dear  Bro.  Early. — I  hope  you  will  not  think  me  head- 
strong when  I  tell  you  I  have  again  resumed  travelling  on 
foot,  I  see  no  other  way  (if  my  strength  will  allow)  to  save 
my  own  soul  and  clear  my  skirts  of  the  people's  blood.  I 
think  the  Searcher  of  hearts  knows  that  my  object  is  to  be 
found  of  him  in  peace,  unspotted  and  blameless.  If  you 
think  me  a  fool,  as  a  fool  then  bear  with  me.  However, 
if  you  think  my  course  disgraceful  to  the  cause  of  Method- 
ism, and  if  you  and  the  brethren  here  wish  me  removed 
from  the  charge  of  the  circuit,  most  gladly  will  I  become 
helper  anywhere  in  your  bounds. 

We  have  had,  I  trust,  some  profitable  meetings  ;  but  the 
people,  in  general,  appear  to  be  weary  and  dull  in  their 
religious  feelings ;  though  I  think  there  is  some  quick- 
ening among  them.  Some  places  have  been  taken  into 
the  circuit,  and  there  is  a  prospect  of  some  good.  But  I 
am  conscious  I  must  be  humble  myself  if  I  would  have  God 
work  by  me.  Indeed,  I  have  frequently  been  persuaded 
that,  had  the  Lord  done  a  great  work  by  me,  it  would  have 
been  my  ruin.  Show  me  the  way  to  true  humility,  and  I 
will  rejoice  as  those  that  take  great  spoil.  To  go  on  in  the 
same  dull  round,  without  growing  in  grace,  is  more  than  I 
can  consent  to.  And  be  it  that  I  am  mistaken  in  niy  view 
how  to  obtain  what  I  want,  it  is  not  such  a  mistake  as  will 
expose  me  to  one  frown  from  my  Judge,  I  verily  believe. 
Believe  me  yours, 

John  Wesley  Childs. 

N.  B.  What  I  have  written  above  is,  I  believe,  the 
honest  sentiments  of  my  heart.  In  addition,  permit  me  to 
say,  such  is  the  apparent  state  of  my  lungs,  without  some 
such  exercise,  I  should  have  to  desist.  Accordingly,  my 
general  plan  is,  to  say  it  is  for  the  benefit  of  my  health. 

J.  W.  C. 

When  it  is  remembered  that  Mr.  Childs  ultimately  died 
of  consumption  of  the  lungs,  who  can  say  that  the  exercise 
which  he  took  on  foot,  at  the  time  of  life  now  under  no- 
tice, did  not  prolong  his  days  ?    He  says,  "  without  som« 


74 


LIFE  OF  THE 


such  exercise"  he  would  have  been  under  the  necessity  of 
giving  up  the  pulpit.  God,  in  his  providence,  may  have 
led  him  into  this  path  as  a  means  of  prolonging  his  life. 
The  word  of  God  says,  "In  all  thy  ways  acknowledge 
Him,  and  he  will  direct  thy  paths."  Never  did  a  human 
being  more  devoutly  acknowledge  God  in  all  his  ways, 
than  did  Mr.  Childs,  so  far  as  we  are  capable  of  determin- 
ing; and  would  it  not  imply  a  sort  of  skepticism  to  ques- 
tion that  an  all-wise  but  unseen  hand  directed  his  paths  ? 
We  should  be  slow,  at  least,  to  censure  or  condemn  his 
course^  when  he  tells  us  that  he  verily  believed,  even  if 
he  were  mistaken,  his  mistake  would  not  expose  him  to  a 
single  frown  from  his  Judge.  ^  What  honesty  of  purpose 
is  here  !  What  humility !  His  course  is  not  characterized 
by  enthusiasm  or  rashness.  Every  step  is  taken  with  the 
utmost  caution  and  deliberation,  and  it  is  evident  that  he 
would  not  have  adopted  this  mode  of  travelling  in  the  first 
instance,  nor  resumed  it  in  the  instance  before  us,  had  he 
not  been  impelled  by  the  solemn  and  urgent  behests  of 
his  own  conscience.  What  solemn  words  are  these  which 
he  uses  to  his  presiding  elder  !  "  I  see  no  other  way  (if  my 
strength  will  allow)  to  save  my  own  soul  and  clear  my 
skirts  of  the  people's  blood." 

The  following  entry  was  made  in  his  diary  on  the  22d 
June  : — "  What  now  is  my  object  and  aim  ?  Is  it  not 
to  follow  the  heavenly  Lamb  ?  Help  me  in  all  my  ways 
to  acknowledge  Thee  j  and,  in  mercy,  do  thou  direct  my 
paths." 

The  letter  below,  written  to  his  former  colleague,  the 
Rev.  Eowland  G.  Bass,  will  give  the  reader  a  better  idea 
of  the  exercises  of  his  mind  in  relation  to  the  subject  of 
our  remarks  than  any  thing  we  can  supply  : 

Buckingham  Circuit,  July  16,  1832. 

Dear  Bro.  Bass  : — Your  letter  was  received  yesterday. 
I  have  not  time  to  say  much,  but  will  pen  a  few  thoughts. 

By  the  blessing  of  God  I  have  persevered  in  walking, 
and  feel  encouraged  so  to  do ;  though  I  fear  it  will  subject 
me  to  a  storm  of  opposition  and  persecution.    Yet  if  God 


EEV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


75 


be  with  me,  all  shall  be  well — indeed  the  Saviour  says, 
"  Blessed  are  ye  when  men  shall  separate  you  from  their 
company."  The  more  I  consider  the  subject,  the  more  am 
I  convinced  that  the  time  has  come  when  they  will  not 
endure  sound  doctrine.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  the 
great  idol  that  is  now  generally  set  up  is  dress, y  and  he 
that  will  not  bow  down  and  worship  may  expect  to  be 
handled  roughly.  However,  there  is  no  other  way  to 
heaven  than  by  the  way  of  tribulation.  Let  us  then  keep 
the  end  in  view,  and  prudently  yet  boldly  follow  the 
teachings  of  the  word  and  Spirit  of  God.  Far  am  I  yet 
from  being  what  I  believe  to  be  my  duty  as  well  as  privi- 
lege; yet  with  the  apostle,  in  my  humble  manner,  can 
say,  "  I  follow  on,  if  that  I  may  apprehend  that  for  which 
also  I  am  apprehended  of  Christ  Jesus."  I  need  your 
prayers ;  and  be  assured  that  I  do  not  cease  to  pray  for 
you — it  would  be  strange  were  I  to  forget  you.  Brother, 
put  on  the  whole  armour  of  God,  and  bid  defiance  to  the 
world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil. 

I  have  reason  to  be  very  grateful  to  the  Lord  that,  as 
yet,  I  have  sustained  no  inconvenience  from  the  source 
which  caused  me  to  stop  last  year.  For  some  time  I  have 
thought  it  was  a  strong  temptation  of  the  wicked  one. 
Oh,  that  God  would  give  us  "  the  wisdom  of  the  serpent 
and  the  harmlessness  of  the  dove  \"  His  grace  will  be 
sufficient  for  us,  if  we  do  our  duty.  Here  is  the  point ; 
but  alas  !  how  weak  am  I.  With  the  poor,  I  can  do  tole- 
rably well;  but  in  the  presence  of  the  rich,  oh  how 
cowardly  !  Pray  that  the  diseases  of  my  fallen  nature  may 
be  entirely  healed. 

I  hear  you  have  lost  your  horse.  If  you  think  he 
laboured  under  any  disease  when  you  got  him,  let  me 
know.  At  any  rate  (if  you  need  it)  I  will  cheerfully  assist 
you  in  the  purchase  of  another.  Or,  you  might  take  mine, 
if  you  wish,  and  use  for  the  present.  But  the  disciple's 
way  is  the  safest.  Oh,  keep  a  good  conscience,  and  it  will 
keep  thee ! 

Pray  for  your  affectionate  friend  and  brother  in  the 
Lord,  John  Wesley  Childs. 


LIFJS  OF  THE 


One  with  whom  Mr.  Ofailds  was  very  intimate,  and  with 
whom  he  corresponded  more  freely  than  with  almost  any 
one  else,  and  who  became  acquainted-  with  him  while  he 
travelled  the  Buckingham  circuit,  thus  writes  of  him  :  — 
"  You  know  he  was  always  kind,  polite,  and  affable  to  all ; 
but  in  his  intercourse  with  men,  he  seemed  to  avoid  the 
company  of  the  wealthy  and  influential,  generally.  His 
course  in  this  respect  was  the  result  of  the  impression  that 
his  mission  was  chiefly  to  the  poor  of  this  world,  and  a 
fear  lest  he  should  insensibly  drink  into  that  spirit  so 
congenial  to  flesh  and  blood.  When  in  conversation  on 
this  subject,"  continues  the  writer,  "  how  often,  and  with 
what  feeling,  have  I  heard  him  quote  the  following : 

"  Keep  mc  from  the  great  and  wise, 
'Till  they  sink  in  their  own  eyes, 
Tamely  to  thy  yoke  submit, 
Lay  their  honours  at  thy  feet." 

And  whenever  he  found  any  among  that  class  of  this  spirit, 
no  one  ever  sped  with  more  willing  feet  to  do  them  good 
than  did  he." 

This  extract  in  some  sort  explains  the  remark  made  by 
him  in  the  letter  above,  that  he  could  get  along  tolerably 
well  with  the  poor,  but  that  in  the  presence  of  the  rich  he 
was  cowardly.  The  fact  is,  he  could  not  be  induced  to 
conform  to  the  customs  and  maxims  of  the  world ;  and 
when  thrown  into  the  circles  of  the  gay  and  fashionable, 
he  could  not  exactly  accommodate  his  conscience  to  a  com- 
pliance with  their  views  and  habits,  and  he  therefore  felt 
that  his  presence  was  not  so  agreeable  to  such  circles  as  he 
could  desire  it  to  be ;  nor  was  he  so  easy  and  happy  as 
with  those  whose  views  and  practices  more  nearly  con- 
formed to  his  own. 

At  this  time,  Mr.  Childs  dressed  in  an  extremely  plain 
style,  but  always  neatly.  He  arose  about  four  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  and  at  an  early  hour  he  was  ready  to  start  to  his 
appointment.  His  arrangements  were  made  to  call  on 
several  families  by  the  way.  When  weary,  he  would  sit 
awhile  and  read,  beneath  the  shade  of  some  old  forest  oak; 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS.  77 


and  then,  in  nature's  great  temple,  kneel  upon  the  carpet 
of  moss  at  his  feet,  and  pour  out  his  heart  to  God  in  prayer 
for  his  guiding  presence  and  sustaining  hand.  Then  again 
he  would  stop  at  the  humble  house  of  some  poor  labouring- 
man,  where  the  voice  of  prayer  was  rarely,  if  ever  heard,  and 
spend  some  time  in  reading  to  the  family,  either  from  the 
Scriptures  or  from  some  religious  book,  and  then  en- 
gage in  prayer  for  God's  blessing  upon  all  the  inmates  of 
the  house.  These  calls  were  productive  of  great  good. 
Thus  he  would  proceed  on  his  way  to  the  church,  where  he 
rarely  ever  failed  to  meet  a  good  congregation,  and  to  them 
he  would  dispense  the  word  of  life  with  almost  unexampled 
earnestness  and  effect. 

His  preaching  was  close,  searching,  and  scriptural.  His 
appeals  were  pungent  and  stirring.  The  formalist  in  re- 
ligion never  failed  to  get  his  share.  Members  of  the  church 
who  lived  in  conformity  to  the  world  were  "  cut  off  at  the 
knees."  He  laid  the  truth,  like  burning  coals  of  fire,  upon 
their  consciences ;  and  after  showing  their  inconsistency, 
and  pointing  out,  in  the  clearest  manner,  the  evil  results 
of  their  course  of  life,  he  would  then  propound  the  most 
heart-searching  interrogatories  to  them — such  as,  "  Can 
you  kneel  at  your  toilet,  and  ask  God  to  bless  you,  while 
you,  with  care,  are  decorating  your  person  ?"  "  Can  you 
implore  the  smile  and  blessing  of  God  upon  the  party  of 
pleasure  in  which  you  mingle?"  "Do  you  feel  as  deep  a 
solicitude  for  the  '  ornament  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,'  as 
for  the  external  ornament  of  the  perishing  body  1"  "Are 
you  not  more  concerned  to  appear  well  in  the  eyes  of  your 
fellow-creatures,  than  to  present  an  humble  and  contrite 
heart  to  God  V  With  questions  like  these  he  would  press 
the  truth  upon  the  heart,  until  the  deepest  convictions  were 
riveted  upon  the  minds  of  his  hearers,  that,  to  be  Christians 
in  deed  and  in  truth,  they  must  not  be  conformed  to  the 
world. 

The  piety  of  the  church,  here,  as  on  the  other  circuits, 
improved  under  his  ministry;  and  the  work  of  revival 
commenced. 


7t 


LIFE  OF  THE 


In  the  month  of  August,  a  camp-meeting  was  held  on 
his  circuit,  which  was  attended  with  the  presence  of  the 
Great  Head  of  the  church,  and  much  good  was  accomplish- 
ed. There  was  great  interest  manifested  by  the  professors 
of  religion  on  the  subject  of  "  perfect  love."  Many  sought 
it,  and  sought  it  earnestly.  This  special  interest  was  ex- 
cited by  the  preaching  of  Mr.  Childs.  It  was  a  theme  on 
which  he  dwelt  with  peculiar  emphasis.  He  did  not  at 
that  time  publicly  profess  to  enjoy  the  blessing;  and  yet 
he  gave  good  evidence  of  this  state  of  grace.  In  a  private 
conversation,  however,  with  an  intimate  friend,  at  this 
meeting,  he  more  than  intimated,  at  least,  an  humble  per- 
suasion that  he  had  attained  to  this  blessing  while  he  was 
living  in  the  city  of  Richmond.  He  stated,  in  the  conver- 
sation alluded  to,  that  some  time  after  his  conversion  he 
became  almost  a  formalist  in  religion — that  his  pride  well- 
nigh  ruined  him — that  almost  every  spark  of  vital  piety 
had  expired  in  his  heart.  In  this  state,  he  said,  he  often 
felt  that,  if  religion  imparted  to  its  possessor  no  more  com- 
fort than  he  enjoyed,  it  was  not  worth  the  struggle  it  cost 
him  to  maintain  the  profession  of  it.  He  determined,  if 
there  were  a  better  way,  to  find  it.  In  this  state  of  mind 
he  sought  direction  from  an  old  member  of  the  church, 
whose  advice  came  near  proving  his  overthrow.  Such  was 
his  anguish  and  distress  of  mind,  that  he  almost,  at  one 
time,  determined  to  abandon  the  effort  to  save  his  soul. 
He  however  did  not  turn  his  face  away  from  the  cross ; 
but  continued  to  seek  God  until  he  obtained  the  witness 
of  an  entire  consecration  to  God  and  his  service.  Whether 
Mr.  Childs  really  considered  that  he  obtained  the  blessing 
of  sanctification,  as  understood  in  Wesleyan  theology,  at 
the  time  referred  to,  we  are  not  prepared  fully  to  say ;  nor 
is  the  evidence  very  clear  that  he  really  made  a  public  pro- 
fession of  this  attainment  at  the  time  of  which  we  now 
write ;  but  in  after-life  he  often  refers  to  his  experience 
of  divine  things  while  on  the  Buckingham  circuit,  and  says 
that  for  some  months  of  this  year  he  enjoyed  the  blessing 
of  sanctification,  or  perfect  love.  In  writing  to  a  friend  on 
this  subject,  in  November  of  this  year,  he  says  : — 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


79 


u  Oh  !  look  to  Jesus,  he  is  '  able  to  save  to  the  uttermost,' 
and  will  in  no  wise  cast  you  off.  Dare  not  distrust  your 
God ;  and  remember,  it  is  his  blood  and  righteousness  we 
make  our  only  ph'a.  "Who  can  be  -unsuccessful  that  flies 
to  this  ?  Oh  !  I  thiuk,  if  I  had  a  thousand  souls,  all  should 
be  ventured  on  Jesus.  I  long  to  rejoice  with  you  in  having 
your  enemies  put  under  your  feet.  Wrestle  with  Christ  in 
prayer,  and  you  shall  know  that  our  God  is  faithful,  and 
will  come,  and  will  not  tarry.  If  you  have  not  read  lately, 
I  would  advise  you  to  peruse  Mr.  Wesley's  sermon  on  the 
devices  of  Satan ;  and  if  Fletcher's  letters  are  at  hand,  a 
look  into  them  might  be  of  service  to  you.  *  *  *  *  I  feel 
that  God  is  good,  and  my  heart,  I  trust,  pants  after  him  ; 
though  I  want  more,  and  I  hope  nothing  less  than  the  full 
fruition  will  ever  satisfy  me.  I  want  wisdom  to  shape  my 
course  to  the  glory  of  God,  and  the  benefit  of  my  fellow 
men." 

Mr.  Childs  continued  his  labours  with  unabating  zeal  up 
to  the  day  he  left  his  circuit  for  Conference,  which  met  in 
February  1833,  in  the  town  of  Petersburg,  Virginia. 

His  ministry  was  not  crowned  with  as  much  success  on 
the  Buckingham  circuit,  as  it  had  been  on  some  of  his  pre- 
vious charges ;  but  he  did  not  labour  in  vain.  The  church 
was  edified,  and  its  spirituality  greatly  increased  under  his 
pastoral  care.  The  membership,  generally,  here,  as  on 
other  circuits,  became  warmly  attached  to  him.  They 
loved  him  for  his  piety,  for  his  fidelity  as  a  pastor,  for  his 
direct  and  faithful  manner  of  preaching,  and  for  his  kind- 
ness and  sympathy  as  a  friend.  -  The  poor,  especially,  were 
perfectly  devoted  to  him ;  and  wllen  the  hour  came  that 
was  to  separate  him  from  them,  they  hung  upon  him  with 
tears,  and  pronounced  the  richest  blessings  upon  him.  He 
had  a  sympathetic  heart;  and  in  separating  from  his 
people  he  felt,  and  felt  deeply;  but,  with  his  usual  ac- 
quiescence in  the  allotments  of  Providence,  he  said,  "  the 
will  of  the  Lord  be  done." 

He  attended  the  Conference ;  and,  contrary  to  all  of  his 
expectations,  and,  it  would  seem,  in  opposition  to  his  pre- 
ferences, he  was  appointed  presiding  elder,  and  assigned 


80  LIFE  OF  THE 


to  the  Yadkin  district,  lying  principally  in  the  state  of 
North  Carolina. 

In  this  new  and  untried  field  of  ministerial  toil  we 
shall  take  up  his  life  in  the  following  chapter. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

YADKIN  DISTRICT.  1833. 

The  office  of  presiding  elder — The  Yadkin  district — Author's  first  ac- 
quaintance with  Mr.  Childs — His  attention  to  his  work — Impression 
he  made  on  the  district — Troubled  in  mind  about  walking  and  preach- 
ing—Letter to  Miss  Rives — Letter  to  Mr.  Bass — Great  revival — 
Camp-meetings — A  thrilling  anecdote — Extracts  from  his  Diary — 
Letter  to  Mr.  Bass — Diary — Anecdote — Increased  earnestness  upon 
the  subject  of  sanctification — Close  of  the  year — Trip  to  Lynchburg, 
Va. — Thence  to  Richmond — Thence  to  Raleigh — Conference — Re- 
turned to  the  district — Goes  to  Lynchburg — Extract  from  his  Diary 
on  the  day  of  his  marriage. 

This  year  introduces  Mr.  Childs  into  an  entirely  new 
and  different  sphere  of  labour.  To  him,  nothing  could 
have  been  more  unexpected,  and  yet  he  submitted  meekly 
and  quietly  to  his  appointment. 

The  office  of  presiding  elder  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  is  one  of  very  great  importance,  in  the  present 
economy  of  the  church.  In  the  absence  of  a  bishop,  a  pre- 
siding elder  is  clothed  with  nearly  every  prerogative  of 
that  high  functionary.  It  is  his  duty  to  exercise  a  gene- 
ral supervision  over  all  "the  elders,  deacons,  travelling 
and  local  preachers,  and  exhorters  in  his  district;  to  change 
and  suspend  preachers,  during  the  intervals  of  the  Con- 
ferences, as  the  Discipline  directs ;  to  oversee  the  spiritual 
and  temporal  business  of  the  church ;  to  see  that  every 
part  of  the  Discipline  be  enforced ;  to  decide  questions  of 
law  in  a  Quarterly  Conference j"  and  especially  to  watch 
over  the  young  preachers  in  his  district,  direct  their  stu- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


81 


dies,  correct  their  improprieties  of  conduct,  and  train  them 
up  for  usefulness  in  the  ministry. 

A  mere  glance  at  these  disciplinary  duties  of  a  presiding 
elder,  will  convince  any  one  of  the  importance  and  re- 
sponsibility of  the  post.  Mr.  Childs,  on  his  entrance  upon 
the  duties  of  his  office,  seemed  duly  to  weigh  and  appre- 
ciate the  importance  of  the  trusts  committed  to  his  hauds. 

The  tract  of  country  embraced  in  his  district  was  all 
new  ground  to  him.  He  was  entirely  unknown  in  every 
part  of  it.  The  Conference,  at  that  time,  being  very  large, 
and  all  the  circuits  to  which  he  had  been  assigned  lying 
very  remote  from  the  Yadkin  district,  he  was  without  an 
acquaintance,  except  among  the  preachers,  in  all  his 
bounds.  In  a  very  short  time,  however,  reports  in  rela- 
tion to  the  extraordinary  piety,  extreme  plainness,  and 
heart-searching  preaching  of  the  new  presiding  elder,  were 
circulated  in  every  part  of  the  district.  Curiosity  was 
everywhere  on  tiptoe  to  see  him,  and  to  hear  hitn. 

The  Yadkin  district  included  a  large  extent  of  territory, 
lying  principally  in  North  Carolina,  and  stretching  from 
the  beautifully  undulating  hill  country  of  Guilford  and 
Orange  counties  to  the  top  of  the  Blue  Ridge  mountains 
in  the  north-western  part  of  the  State.  It  was  traversed 
hy  the  Dan  and  Yadkin  rivers,  which  rise  in  the  secluded 
dells  of  the  mountains,  and  after  winding  along  under  the 
beetling  rocks  and  holly-crowned  cliifs,  break  away,  in 
bold  and  majestic  sweep,  through  some  of  the  most  fertile 
and  beautiful  valleys  that  have  ever  been  brought  under 
cultivation.  To  one  who  is  fond  of  natural  scenery,  there 
is  scarcely  a  more  fascinating  region  in  all  the  older  settled 
portions  of  our  country,  than  was  included  in  the  western 
portion  of  the  Yadkin  district.  The  counties  of  Surry, 
Wilkes,  and  a  part  of  Iredell,  presented  a  continued  suc- 
cession of  mountains,  with  graceful  valleys  intervening. 
Many  spots  are  now  remembered,  from  which  the  eye  of 
the  traveller  is  greeted  with  as  splendid  landscapes  as  ever 
entranced  the  imagination  of  the  artist,  or  stirred  the  heart 
of  the  poet. 

Every  variety  of  life  was  presented  in  this  extensive 


82 


LIFE  OF  THE 


field  of  ministerial  oversight  and  labour.  Along  the  rich 
and  highly  cultivated  low  grounds  that  mark  the  courses 
of  the  larger  streams,  might  be  found  the  wealthy  farmer, 
with  his  highly  polished  and  educated  family  around  him, 
while  on  the  intervening  ridges,  and  on  the  mountains, 
life  was  met  with  in  its  more  rustic  and  uncultivated 
forms. 

In  the  midst  of  this  interesting  district  of  country,  we 
now  find  the  subject  of  our  biography.  The  author  well 
remembers  the  first  time  he  ever  saw  him.  It  was  a  short 
time  after  he  got  on  his  district,  at  his  first  quarterly 
meeting  for  the  Guilford  circuit,  held  in  the  little  town 
of  G-reensborough.  The  congregation  had  convened,  which 
was  unusually  large  for  Saturday.  All  eyes  were  turned 
towards  him  as  he  entered  the  door,  and  walked  up  the 
aisle  to  the  pulpit.  He  was  dressed  in  a  plain  suit  of 
blue  cassinet;  he  wore  a  white  cravat,  with  his  collar 
turned  down  ;  his  hat  was  something  of  the  Quaker  style. 
His  countenance  was  placid,  slightly  shaded  with  apparent 
anxiety,  and  yet  differing  in  expression  from  any  thing 
we  had  ever  seen.  He  ascended  the  pulpit  with  that  gravity 
and  solemnity  which  become  the  sacred  desk  ;  and  after 
remaining  for  awhile  in  private  prayer,  he  arose  from  his 
knees,  and  sung,  by  himself,  the  hymn  commencing, 

"  I'll  praise  my  Maker  while  I've  breath, 
And  when  my  voice  is  lost  in  death, 

Praise  shall,  employ  my  nobler  powers; 
My  days  of  praise  shall  ne'er  be  past, 
While  life  and  thought  and  being  last, 
Or  immortality  endures." 

There  was  a  subdued  sweetness  in  his  voice,  and  an  air  of 
devotion  in  his  manner,  that  singularly  affected  the  au- 
dience, and  when  he  arose  to  commence  the  services,  the 
whole  congregation  was  moved  to  tears. 

His  text  on  the  occasion  was  taken  from  Matthew  xvi. 
24  :  "  Then  said  Jesus  unto  his  disciples,  if  any  man  will 
come  after  me,  let  him  deny  himself,  and  take  up  his  cross 
and  follow  me."  His  treatment  of  the  subject  was  ex- 
ceedingly easy  and  natural.    He  quoted  several  passages 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


S3 


from  Mr.  Wesley's  sermon  on  the  same  text.  On  the 
subject  of  self-denial  he  enlarged,  and  dwelt  with  great 
earnestness.  Never  shall  we  forget  some  of  the  views  he 
presented  on  this  point.  He  urged  self-denial  in  relation 
to  the  indulgence  of  the  appetite — in  relation  to  dress — 
in  relation  to  the  indulgence  of  the  flesh  in  its  clamours 
for  ease  and  rest ;  and  then  went  on  to  animadvert  on  cer- 
tain habits  which  men  formed,  which  he  thought  should 
be  abandoned  by  the  disciple  of  Jesus  Christ.  He  alluded 
to  the  use  of  tobacco,  and  various  other  luxuries,  which 
were  expensive,  and  which  he  thought  should  be  given 
up  by  Christians ;  as  means  would  thereby  be  placed  at 
the  disposal  of  church  members  which  might  be  appropri- 
ated to  the  relief  of  the  poor,  and  to  the  various  benevo- 
lent enterprises  of  the  church.  In  relation  to  tobacco,  he 
remarked,  that  the  taste  for  it  had  to  be  cultivated — that 
it  was  exceedingly  offensive  to  the  natural  appetite — that 
its  use  was  expensive — that  the  indulgence  was  attended 
with  inconvenience,  both  to  the  consumer,  and  to  those 
associated  with  him ;  and,  therefore,  on  these  several  ac- 
counts should  be  abandoned,  especially  by  the  follower  of 
Christ,  who  was  hastening  to  the  bar  of  judgment  to  ac- 
count to  his  God  for  the  manner  in  which  he  had  expended 
his  Lord's  money.  "  Give  it  up,"  said  he.  "Leave  it  to 
the  horn-worm,  and  the  goat  of  Tobago.  Save  your  money 
to  give  to  God's  poor  children — to  send  the  Gospel  to  the 
destitute,  and  to  further  the  cause  of  the  lledeemer  in  your 
midst." 

The  sermon  produced  a  remarkable  effect  upon  the  hear- 
ers. His  views  on  the  subject  of  dress,  and  eating,  and 
kindred  topics,  were  all  startling ;  and  not  a  few  began 
to  think  that  they  had  the  whole  of  the  religious  life  to 
begin  anew.  The  discourse  was  a  subject  of  remark  in 
every  circle  ;  and  the  effect  was  to  draw  out  a  very  large 
crowd  to  hear  him  the  next  day.  And  in  this  way  he 
commenced  his  ministry  on  all  the  circuits  of  his  district. 

It  was  exceedingly  difficult  to  gainsay  his  views.  Many 
thought  he  carried  them  too  far,  in  relation  to  dress,  the 
indulgence  of  the  appetite,  &c;  but  those  who  objected 


8i 


LIFE  OF  THE 


admitted  that  there  was  great  force  in  what  he  said — that 
his  views  were  strongly  fortified  by  scripture — that  his 
reasoning  seemed  conclusive,  and  that  it  was  not  an  easy 
matter  to  mark  the  point  where  he  passed  beyond  the 
golden  medium,  which  should  be  held  and  maintained  by 
all  true  disciples  of  Jesus  Christ. 

At  an  early  period  in  the  year  the  work  of  revival  com- 
menced— first  in  the  church,  among  believers,  and  then 
among  the  unconverted.  As  the  camp-meeting  season  ap- 
proached the  work  increased  in  power,  and  depth,  aud  ex- 
tent ;  and  we  do  not  exaggerate  when  we  say  that  thou- 
sands were  brought  to  God  at  the  meetings  which  he  at- 
tended. But  we  must  drop  back  and  take  up  the  year 
more  in  detail,  and  in  the  order  of  its  events,  as  they  stand 
connected  with  the  life  of  Mr.  Childs. 

He  attended  punctually  to  all  his  official  duties,  growing 
out  of  his  new  relation  to  the  church.  His  quarterlj'  meet- 
ings were  all  attended,  and  the  business  of  the  quarterly  Con- 
ferences transacted  in  the  most  orderly  and  devout  manner. 
He  presided  with  the  utmost  kindness  and  respect  to  every 
member,  but  always  with  firmness  and  decision.  He  was 
faithful  in  administering  reproof  whenever  it  became  neces- 
sary in  the  discharge  of  his  office.  Sabbath-schools  were 
always  inquired  after ;  and  whenever  it  was  in  his  power, 
he  visited  them  in  person,  and  prayed  with  the  children. 

But  it  is  evident  he  did  not  feel  that  he  was  in  the 
work  which  suited  him  best  as  a  minister  of  the  Gospel. 
He  preferred  the  pastoral  oversight  of  a  circuit.  He  had 
certain  convictions  of  duty  that  he  could  not  carry  out 
into  practical  effect  as  presiding  elder  of  a  district.  In  a 
word,  he  could  not  walk  and  preach.  The  distance  from 
one  appointment  to  another  was  too  great ;  and  yet  ho 
seems  to  have  been  constantly  haunted  with  this  conviction. 
This  subject  forms  such  a  prominent  part  in  his  thoughts 
and  religious  experience,  and  is  so  frequently  introduced 
in  his  diary  and  correspondence,  that  we  are  compelled  to 
allude  to  it  again  and  again,  in  order  to  preserve  a  faithful 
record  of  his  life.  Below  we  give  a  copy  of  a  letter  written 
by  him  to  Miss  Martha  S.  Rives,  the  lady  who  subsequently 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


became  his  wife,  in  which  he  alludes,  incidentally,  to  this 
subject,  as  a  source  of  great  trial  to  him. 

Patrick  County,  Va.,  April  12,  1833. 

Dear  Sister  Martha: — In  compliance  with  my  pro- 
posal, I  write  to  inform  you  that,  through  the  goodness  of 
God,  I  arrived  in  time  for  my  first  appointment  on  the  dis- 
trict, and  am  tolerably  well. 

I  hope  that  you  are  steadily  pursuing  the  things  eter- 
nal— casting  this  weary  world  with  all  its  trappings  behind 
you.  I  am  more  than  ever  convinced  that  nothing  short 
of  the  continued  energy  of  the  Holy  Ghost  resting  upon  us 
can  enable  us  to  do  this.  We  soon  grow  weary  and  faint 
in  our  minds;  and  whenever  we  lose  for  a  moment,  "  the 
substance  of  things  hoped  for,  the  evidence  of  things  not 
seen,"  we  take  up  with  the  poor  baubles  of  time  and  sense 
to  supply  their  place ;  or,  as  the  apostle  has  it,  "  we  build 
again  the  things  which  we  once  destroyed."  The  more  apt 
we  are  to  do  this,  because  there  are  so  few  witnesses  of  the 
"great  salvation"  around  us.  To  instance,  who  are  in- 
violably meek,  gentle,  and  patient,  among  all  your  ac- 
quaintance ?  Many,  I  hope — few,  I  fear.  Yet  if  the  Scrip- 
tures be  true,  this  we  must  enjoy,  or  never  see  the  uncloud- 
ed face  of  God  in  peace.  Let  us  not  deceive  ourselves 
then  in  these  important  and  awful  matters.  How  very 
easy  it  is  to  think  well  of  ourselves,  because  others  do  so. 
I  fear  I  have  erred  on  this  score.  Yet,  blessed  be  God,  I 
see  the  delusion,  and  the  Lord  assisting  me,  will  steer  clear 
of  this  rock.  I  am  sensible  that  I  do  not,  and  lately  have 
not  enjoyed  all  that  is  my  privilege.  Various  causes  have 
existed.  1.  In  going  to  Conference  and  returning  it  is 
almost  impossible  to  be  regular  in  one's  habits.  2.  I  know 
that  self-denial,  and  bearing  the  daily  cross  have  been,  in  ^ 
a  great  degree,  wanting.  However,  I  rejoice  in  God,  that 
this  has  been  a  day  of  uncommon  nearness  of  access  to  the 
mercy-seat.  He  has,  in  some  good  degree,  healed  me  of 
my  diseases,  and  my  soul  is  rendered  more  vigorous  to  run 
the  race  set  before  me.  I  have  covenanted  afresh, — may 
my  vows  never  be  broken. 


86 


LIFE  OF  THE 


I  am  more  clearly  convinced  that,  in  consequence  of  the 
disordered  state  of  this  world,  a  true  Christian  must  run 
the  risk  of  being  thought  "beside  himself," — and  must 
consequently  lose  his  good  name.  Oh  !  that  God  would 
give  us  courage  to  face  these  difficulties,  and  "count  all 
things  loss  for  the  excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ 
Jesus  my  Lord." 

Let  it  be  our  constant  prayer, — 

"Let  mo  gain  my  calling's  hope, 

0  make  the  sinner  clean  ! 
Dry  corruption's  fountain  up, 

Cut  off  the  entail  sin. 
Take  mo  into  thee,  my  Lord, 

And  I  shall  then  no  longer  rove ; 
Help  me,  Saviour,  speak  the  word, 

And  perfect  vie  in  love." 

God  has  done  much  for  you,  and  I  hope  the  above  prayer 
is  already  answered  in  you.  I  know  it  has  been  again 
and  again  in  me.  Pray,  oh,  earnestly  pray  that  it  may 
again  be  accomplished  in  me  with  mighty  power !  then  I 
shall  be  properly  commissioned  to  preach  the  unsearchable 
riches  of  Christ.  I  hope  that  sister  E.  is  "going  on  to 
perfection,"  seeking  to  be  "  crucified  to  the  world,  and  the 
world  to  her."  Encourage  Mary  to  be  diligent  in  reading 
and  prayer;  and  though  we  should  not  expect  too  much 
from  one  of  her  tender  years,  yet,  let  us  take  heed  that  we 
do  not  discourage  her. 

Peace  be  with  your  spirit. 

Sincerely  yours, 

John  Wesley  Childs. 

We  copy  his  letters,  nearly  entire,  for  the  reason  that 
they  contain  so  much  in  relation  to  his  personal  experience. 
They  supply  a  better  view  of  his  character,  exercises  of 
mind,  and  every-day  life,  than  can  be  derived  from  any 
other  source. 

The  following  extract  from  a  letter  written  on  the  19th 
April,  to  his  devoted  friend,  the  Rev.  Rowland  G.  Bass, 
will  give  the  reader  a  hint  of  his  views  in  relation  to  his 
new  position  as  presiding  elder : — 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


87 


"I  still  find  difficulties  in  the  way;  but  blessed  be 
God,  be  deigns  to  pour  into  my  soul  occasionally  the  oil 
and  wine  of  consolation.  Yet  the  fulness,  the  plenitude, 
is  what  I  want.  Help  me  still  by  your  prayers,  for  I  feel 
that  I  need  them  more  than  ever.  Indeed,  I  have  been 
seriously  exercised  about  trying  to  get  clear  of  my  task. 
I  wish  to  do  nothing  rashly;  but  I  fear,  sometimes,  I 
should  have  objected  firmly.  But  then  there  is  the  hope 
of  doing  more  good — of  being  more  extensively  useful. 
Yet  I  fear,  and  tremble.  None  but  God  can  deliver  me,  I 
know,  and  bring  my  little  bark  safely  to  the  desired  haven." 

Whatever  views  we  may  entertain  in  relation  to  the 
conviction  which  seems  to  have  given  him  so  much  trouble, 
we  cannot  but  sympathize  with  him  in  his  seasons  of 
darkness  and  despondency  growing  out  of  this  cause.  He 
was  honest  in  his  convictions.  He  sincerely  believed  it 
to  be  his  duty  to  bear  his  message  on  foot,  and  he  could 
not  overcome  that  conviction.  He  laboured  to  do  so ;  but 
it  was  only  when  he  consented  to  it  that  his  peace  of  mind 
was  uninterrupted.  There  must  have  been  some  hidden 
cause  for  this  that  we  are  not  able  to  understand ;  and  we 
are  compelled  to  leave  it  just  as  he  presents  it,  without 
attempting  to  solve  the  difficulties  which  it  suggests  to  our 
minds. 

In  the  month  of  June,  Mr.  Childs  gave  his  correspond- 
ence with  Miss  Rives  a  turn  which  it  had  not  previously 
taken  ;  and  as  it  presents  many  points  of  singular  interest, 
we  will  defer  any  further  extracts  from  it,  till  we  arrive  at 
a  period  in  which  we  can  lay  the  whole  before  the  reader 
without  interruption,  and  in  a  connected  form.  Suffice  it 
to  say,  in  this  connection,  that  he  made  proposals  of  mar- 
riage with  her;  and  as  "  the  course  of  true  love  never  did 
run  smooth,"  it  is  but  just  to  suppose  that  his  mind  was 
more  or  less  affected  by  the  different  aspects  which  that 
stream  presented,  as  it  flashed  and  sparkled  in  the  sunlight, 
or  darkened  beneath  the  folds  of  the  portentous  clouds 
which  threw  their  shadows  upon  its  bosom. 

As  the  summer  advanced,  his  popularity  increased,  and 
his  influence  became  very  great.    His  society  was  sought 


88 


LIFE  OP  THE 


by  Christians  of  all  denominations  j  and  he  became  a  uni- 
versal favourite  in  every  part  of  his  district. 

He  commenced  holding  camp-meetings  as  early  as  the 
month  of  July,  and  kept  them  up  till  the  middle  of  Octo- 
ber. These  meetings  resulted  in  the  conversion  of  a  large 
number  of  persons,  and  in  the  improvement  of  the  piety 
of  the  church.  At  most  of  them  he  preached  earnestly 
and  powerfully  on  the  subject  of  sanctification,  as  held  by 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  and  not  a  few  were  stirred 
up  to  seek  for  that  blessing ;  and  at  several  of  his  meet- 
ings considerable  numbers  professed  to  obtain  it. 

Never  shall  we  forget  some  of  the  scenes  of  that  camp- 
meeting  season.  Occasions  are  now  remembered  in  the 
llandolph,  Guilford,  Stokes,  and  Davidson  circuits,  where 
there  were  wonderful  displays  of  Divine  power  in  the  sal- 
vation of  the  people.  It  seemed  often  as  though  heaven 
had  stooped  to  earth,  and 

"  The  men  of  grace  had  found, 
Glory  begun  below." 

And  in  the  midst  of  the  greatest  excitement, — when 
Christians  were  rejoicing,  and  sinners  were  crying  for 
mercy,  he  might  be  seen,  bending  over  the  pulpit,  or  out 
in  the  congregation,  encouraging  penitents,  singing  the 
high  praises  of  God,  or  urging  the  ungodly  to  fly  from  the 
brink  of  ruin  to  the  expanded  arms  of  the  Redeemer.  He 
conducted  the  exercises  himself.  He  was  always  at  the 
public  prayers  in  the  morning — always  in  the  pulpit  at  the 
time  for  preaching;  and  such  was  his  influence,  that  he 
could  preserve  the  best  order  in  the  largest  congregations, 
with  the  utmost  ease,  and,  generally,  without  giving 
offence  to  any  one. 

We  shall  stop  here  to  give  a  narrative,  of  a  most  painful 
and  melancholy  character,  growing  out  of  an  incident  that 
occurred  at  one  of  his  camp-meetings,  in  the  month  of 
August  1833. 

Mr.  Childs  had  preached  on  Sabbath  morning  with  un- 
usual power  and  effectiveness.  The  whole  congregation 
was  deeply  impressed ;  and  in  every  direction  sinners,  cut 
to  the  heart  by  the  power  of  God,  were  weeping  and  pray- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


89 


ing  for  mercy.  Seriousness  was  depicted  on  every  coun- 
tenance. An  almost  oppressive  solemnity  reigned  over 
the  immense  concourse  that  were  congregated  on  the  en- 
campment. The  altars  were  crowded  with  inquiring  peni- 
tents ;  and  there  was  scarcely  a  careless  or  unconcerned 
person  to  be  found  in  the  grove.  Mr.  Childs,  according 
to  his  usual  custom  on  such  occasions,  walked  out  into 
the  congregation,  and  conversed  with  such  as  attracted  his 
attention,  upon  the  subject  of  religion.  Passing  about 
from  one  to  another,  he  came  to  a  gentleman,  well  known 
in  the  county,  who  appeared  rather  indifferent,  and  he 
kindly  spoke  to  him  about  his  soul.  The  man  was  an 
avowed  infidel,  and  was  engaged  in  a  traffic  well  adapted 
to  blunt  and  destroy  all  the  finer  sensibilities  of  the  hu- 
man heart.  He  was  wealthy,  and  proud.  He  disdained 
religion.  When  Mr.  Childs  spoke  to  him  upon  the  sub- 
ject, he  treated  the  matter  with  the  utmost  levity  and 
contempt.  He  was  tenderly  besought  to  think  more  seri- 
ously, and  to  speak  less  rashly  about  a  matter  in  which  he 
really  had  so  deep  an  interest.  But  he  grew  angry,  and 
cast  every  indignity  that  he  could  upon  the  gentle  and 
holy  man  that  sought  to  lead  him  to  Christ.  Mr.  Childs 
proposed  prayer ;  and  all  around  him  knelt,  and  became 
profoundly  silent,  except  the  gentleman  in  question ;  and 
as  Mr.  Childs  began  to  pray  for  him,  that  God  would  open 
his  eyes  to  see  his  condition,  and  move  bis  heart  to  make 
him  feel  how  awful  and  perilous  was  his  state,  the  man 
began  to  curse  him ;  and  with  all  conceivable  oaths  and 
blasphemies  he  continued  to  vent  his  feelings  of  malignity 
and  contempt,  until  31r.  Childs  closed  his  prayer;  he  then 
turned  away  in  a  rage,  and  in  a  short  time  left  the  camp- 
ground, and  returned  to  his  home,  which  he  reached  about 
the  going  down  of  the  sun.  He  sat  for  a  while  in  the  long 
piazza  in  front  of  his  house,  and  conversed  sparingly  with 
his  family.  As  the  twilight  deepened,  and  night  let  drop 
her  curtain,  he  commenced  walking  up  and  down  his 
piazza.  Presently  his  tea  was  announced,  but  he  refused 
to  join  his  family  at  the  table,  sajing  that  he  felt  a  little 
indisposed,  and  did  not  feel  like  eating  any  thing.  He 


90 


LIFE  OF  THE 


continued  to  pnce  his  piazza,  until  it  was  time  for  the 
family  to  retire  for  the  night.  His  wife  requested  him  to 
goto  his  chamber.  "No,"  said  he,  "not  now.  Leave 
me  alone  for  the  present."  She  urged  him  to  go  in  from 
the  night  air;  that  he  was  further  endangering  himself 
by  his  exposure.  "  Let  me  alone,"  said  he,  as  she  in- 
sisted upon  his  leaving  the  piazza.  "  When  I  go  in  at 
that  door,"  said  he,  solemnly,  "  I  shall  come  out  no  more, 
until  I  am  carried  out  to  my  grave."  At  first  his  wife 
was  startled ;  but  she  recovered  herself,  and  remonstrated 
with  him  for  using  such  language,  and  indulging  such 
gloomy  feelings.  Said  he,  "I  cursed  the  preacher  to-day 
— I  did  wrong.  He  is  a  good  man,  I  doubt  not,  and  I 
should  not  have  treated  him  as  I  did ;  and  now  I  am  going 
to  die,  and  I  shall  go  to  hell.  I  ought  not  to  have  cursed 
that  man."  She  continued  to  expostulate  with  him ; 
told  him  that  he  was  depressed,  and  low-spirited,  and  did 
what  she  could  to  relieve  his  mind.  But  he  persisted  in 
saying  that  he  was  going  to  die,  and  that  when  he  retired 
that  night,  it  would  be  for  the  last  time. 

At  a  late  hour  he  went  to  his  bed ;  but,  alas  !  to  rise  no 
more.  In  the  morning  he  was  found  quite  ill.  Medical 
aid  was  called  in,  and  every  thing  was  done  for  him  that 
could  be  to  give  him  relief.  But  he  told  them  it  was  all 
in  vain — that  he  should  die  and  go  to  hell — that  his  case 
was  hopeless  for  this  world  and  the  world  to  come.  He 
grew  worse ;  and  it  admits  of  a  doubt  whether  the  dying 
chamber  of  any  man  ever  presented  a  more  terrific  and 
heart-appalling  scene  than  did  the  chamber  of  this  misera- 
ble man.  He  sent  for  the  pious  tenants  on  his  farm  to 
come  and  sit  by  him  and  keep  the  devils  out  of  his  room. 
He  said  that  the  multiplied  sins  of  his  wicked  life  were 
like  so  many  demons  tearing  his  bleeding  heart.  Some 
attempted  to  direct  his  mind  to  the  Kedeemer  as  the  Sa- 
viour of  sinners.  "  Oh  !"  said  he,  "  I  have  rejected  the 
last  offer;  and  I  have  cursed  the  minister  who  made  the 
tender  of  salvation  to  me  in  the  name  of  Jesus." 

The  scene  was  too  awful  to  behold.  His  neighbours 
fled  from  his  presence,  and  his  words  of  despair  and  re- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


91 


morse  and  unavailing  regret  haunted  them  wherever  they 
went.  He  sent  for  three  men  who  had  been  engaged  with 
him  in  the  same  immoral  traffic.  They  came ;  and  with 
the  earnestness  of  a  man  clinging  with  a  trembling  grasp 
to  the  last  eternity-insulated  promontory  of  time,  he  be- 
sought them  to  abandon  that  traffic — to  seek  the  pardon 
of  their  sins  and  escape,  while  they  might,  the  hell  of  end- 
less horrors  to  which  he  was  inevitably  doomed.  They 
promised  him  faithfully  that  they  would  obey  his  dying 
request.  The  scene  grew  still  more  frightful.  Despair — 
utter  despair  was  depicted  in  his  face.  His  eye  seemed  to 
be  kindled  as  with  a  spark  from  the  pit  of  hell.  His  voice 
unearthly.  He  called  his  friends  to  his  bedside  for  the  last 
time.  Said  he,  "  I  am  dying.  When  I  am  gone  you  will 
all  say  that  I  died  frantic  and  out  of  my  senses.  This  re- 
port will  be  spread  through  all  the  country.  Now,"  said 
he,  "  I  am  perfectly  in  my  senses.  I  never  was  more 
rational.  I  know  what  I  am  now  saying,  and  all  that  I 
have  said ;  and  I  now  make  this  statement,  that  what  I 
have  said  may  not  he  lost  upon  you."  He  then,  with  his 
remaining  strength,  cried  out  in  the  most  startling  accents 
— "  The  devils  are  around  my  bed — they  wait  for  me — 
they  mock  my  dying  struggles,  and  as  soon  as  I  am  dead 
they  will  drag  me  to  the  hottest  place  in  hell."  These 
were  his  last  words. 

The  effect  of  this  man's  death  upon  the  whole  com- 
munity, for  many  miles  around,  might  be  seen  in  the  sad- 
dened and  gloomy  countenances  of  every  one  that  heard 
the  mournful  tidings.  For  several  weeks,  the  whole  coun- 
try wore  an  air  of  sorrow  and  melancholy  grief. 

The  three  men  who  promised  him  that  they  would  re- 
form, did  so  for  a  while;  but  finally  returned  to  their  for- 
mer employment,  and,  painful  to  relate,  all  three  of  them 
died  suddenly,  and  without  an  hour  for  repentance.  One 
of  them  died  of  cholera;  another  was  drowned  by  the 
burning  and  sinking  of  a  steamboat  on  a  western  river; 
aud  the  third  by  a  sudden  visitation  of  God. 

Names  have  been  suppressed  in  this  narrative,  for  the 
reason  that  we  wish  merely  to  relate  the  facts  without  in- 


92 


LIFE  OF  THE 


flicting  any  additional  wound  upon  the  surviving  friends 
or  relatives  of  the  deceased.  "  Touch  not  my  prophets, 
and  do  mine  anointed  no  harm." 

In  using  Mr.  Childs's  diary,  we  shall  abridge  his  entries, 
as  there  is  comparatively  but  little  variety. 

His  diary  was  entirely  private,  and  was  intended  for 
his  own  improvement.  He  wished  to  note  his  own  daily 
Christian  experience  for  the  purpose  of  self-examination ; 
and  that  he  might  be  able,  as  he  progressed  in  life,  to  sur- 
vey more  accurately  the  path  over  which  he  had  travelled. 
Until  about  the  first  of  November  of  the  year  now  under 
notice,  he  made  his  entries  at  irregular  intervals;  but, 
from  this  time  forward,  for  two  years,  nearly,  he  made  his 
entries  almost  daily. 

October  11th,  1833,  he  writes — "  0  Lord,  I  confess  my 
backslidings  unto  thee.  Be  pleased  to  heal  me  for  the 
sake  of  Jesus,  and  give  me  the  true  Christian  courage  to 
do  thy  will.  *  *  *  *  I  see  my  past  folly.  0  help  me  to 
glorify  thee  more  perfectly.  Amen." 

We  shall  now  introduce  extracts  from  his  diary  running 
through  several  months. 

"Nov.  1st. — This  day  has  been  one  of  much  reflection,  and 
serious  meditation.  Oh  !  I  discover  dark  spots  in  myself, 
and  am  fully  prepared,  by  God's  blessing,  to  amend.  O 
Lord,  be  pleased  to  let  light  shine  upon  me,  more  and 
more.  '  Purge  me  with  hyssop,  and  I  shall  be  clean  ;  wash 
me,  and  I  shall  be  whiter  than  snow.'  Oh  !  may  I  not 
forget  thee.  May  I  make  some  entry  of  thy  goodness  and 
lovingkindness  daily.  Thou  art  good  to  so  poor  a  worm. 
Lord  pity  me — humble  me,  and  keep  me  in  the  dust  at  thy 
feet." 

"  Nov.  2d. — This  day  my  soul  is  following  hard  after  God ; 
though  not  yet  in  possession  of  the  fulness.  Oh  !  my  God, 
when  wilt  thou  come  and  bless  me.  I  long  for  thy  full 
salvation.  How  wavering  is  my  mind  !  How  much  in- 
disposed to  bear  the  cross  !  I  confess  before  my  God  that 
I  have  sinned  in  ceasing  to  walk  and  preach.  Oh  !  what 
a  fat  portion  did  my  soul  find  in  [taking  up  that  cross.] 
If  Thou  wilt  yet  accept  my  poor  services  in  that  way,  I 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


93 


will  return  to  it  as  soon  as  the  way  shall  be  open.  I  know 
it  is  grievous  to  flesh  and  blood.  The  cross  is  heavy ;  but 
what  of  that  ?  Did  not  Jesus  bear  it  before  me ;  and  shall 
I  not  count  it  an  honour  to  tread  in  his  footsteps  ?  Lord, 
strengthen  me  for  the  conflict,  that  I  may  endure  as  seeing 
him  who  is  invisible.  0  enlarge  my  heart — enlighten  my 
mind,  and  give  me  a  sound  understanding,  that  I  may  do 
thy  will  on  earth  as  angels  do  in  heaven." 

"Nov.  6th. — My  soul  has  wrestled  with  God  this  morn- 
ing, and  with  his  blessing  I  am  resolved  to  persevere.  Oh  ! 
when  shall  my  soul  triumphant  prove.  I  confess  before 
thee  my  foolishness,  and  am  conscious  of  my  unfaithful- 
ness. It  is  of  his  great  mercy  that  I  am  not  consumed. 
Heal  me,  O  Lord,  and  I  shall  be  healed  ;  save  me,  and  I 
shall  be  saved.  Do  thou  teach  me  to  do  thy  will  more  per- 
fectly, and  uphold  me  with  thy  free  spirit.  Help  me  to 
be  firm  to  my  purpose,  and  fixed  in  my  determinations." 

"Night. — This  day  my  soul  has  been  in  some  measure 
stayed  on  God.  I  nearly  live  in  the  victory  of  the  grace 
of  the  Gospel.  Oh!  when  shall  I  enjoy  the  fulness.  Lord, 
hasten  the  hour  when  all  within  shall  feel  thy  power.  I 
long  to  be  swallowed  up  in  love.  '  Jesus,  thou  source  of 
all  my  joys,'  help  me  mightily  by  thy  spirit.  With  thee 
I  stand ;  without  thee  I  fall :  Do  thou  teach  me  to  be 
more  than  ever  circumspect.  Oh  !  that  all  thy  life  may  be 
manifest  in  my  daily  conduct.  Save  me  from  a  disposition 
to  censure, — rather  let  me  pity." 

"  Nov.  7th. — Rose  at  four  o'clock — prayed  and  read  the 
Scriptures  till  near  six.  My  soul  enjoys  some  life ;  but  not 
a  fulness.  0  !  why  are  thy  chariot  wheels  so  long  in 
conning  ?  The  cause  surely  exists  in  me.  My  purpose,  I 
think,  is  unshaken  to  do  the  will  of  God  my  heavenly 
father." 

"  Nov.  8/7i. — Rose  this  morning  at  four.  Loitered  an 
hour  in  dressing,  shaving,  and  making  a  fire,  (all  badges 
of  the  fall.)  Prayed  and  read  the  Scriptures  till  six. 
Found  some  liberty  in  prayer.  The  word  of  God  peculiarly 
precious  to  me ;  my  soul  feasts  upon  it.  Oh  !  for  grace 
to  watch  and  pray  this  day.    I  feel  an  increasing  desire 


94 


IjIFE  of  the 


after  holiness,  and  a  firmer  resolution  literally  to  forsake 
all,  and  follow  Christ.  To  walk  and  preach  seems  to  be 
the  point  I  must  come  to,  if  I  would  be  happy  on  earth, 
or  in  heaven.  Lord,  give  me  grace  and  courage — strength 
of  body  and  of  mind." 
*  Can  any  one  read  these  transcripts  from  his  heart,  and 
question  the  honesty  and  conscientiousness  of  the  man  ? 
What  a  constant  conflict  there  seems  to  have  been  going 
on  in  his  mind  at  this  time  !  We  shall  introduce  a  cor- 
respondence, at  the  close  of  this  chapter,  which  will  ex- 
plain, in  part,  the  severity  of  the  contest  just  at  this  time. 
It  will  be  seen  that  he  was  negotiating  a  matter  in  which 
difficulties  were  raised  on  the  ground  of  his  walking  and 
preaching;  and  thus  we  may  account  for  the  subjects 
pressing  so  heavily  upon  his  mind,  at  the  time  the  above 
entries  were  made. 

"  Nov.  11th.— Rose  at  four — found  some  liberty  in 
prayer.  The  presence  of  the  Lord  was  greatly  felt.  I  am 
sensible  of  my  shortcomings.  By  Divine  grace  I  am  re- 
solved to  try  and  do  better.  Lord,  humble  me  in  the  dust, 
and  give  me  wisdom  and  prudence.  Make  me  holy  in 
heart  and  life,  and  all  manner  of  conversation. 

"  Keep  me  dead  to  all  below, 
Only  Christ  resolved  to  know; 
Firm  and  disengaged  and  free, 
Seeking  all  my  life  in  thee  ?" 

"Nov.  12th. — Oh,  my  God,  thy  goodness  has  been 
astonishing !  Why  is  not  my  cold  h  art  lost  in  wonder, 
love,  and  praise  !  I  feel  unworthy,  and  deserve  not  the 
crumbs  that  fall  from  the  master's  table.  Yet,  satisfy  my 
soul  with  thy  Spirit.  My  former  guilt  and  unworthiness 
r stare  me  in  the  face;  but  the  great  mercy  in  Christ  en- 
courages me  still  to  apply  for  grace  and  salvation.  Oh  ! 
for  power  always  to  pray,  and  preserve  a  collected  mind. 
May  thy  presence  accompany  me  through  this  day." 

There  is  a  peculiarity  in  Mr.  Childs's  journal  that  we 
have  not  met  with,  to  the  same  extent,  in  that  of  any  other 
man.    We  allude  to  the  fact  that  he  seems  to  have  con- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


95 


versed  xcith  God.  He  was  always  in  a  frame  of  devotion  ; 
and  so  constantly  did  he  commune  with  God,  that  he 
seemed,  when  writing,  to  talk  with  him.  Any  one  who 
reads  his  diary  must  be  struck  with  this  peculiarity.  In- 
deed, we  find  it  necessary,  in  making  extracts,  frequently 
to  insert  the  name  of  the  Deity  in  order  to  supply  the 
ellipsis,  growing  out  of  this  peculiarity,  so  as  to  make  it 
intelligible  to  the  reader. 

The  following  letter,  addressed  to  the  Rev.  R.  G.  Bass, 
contains  several  things  bearing  upon  the  points  which  have 
been  brought  to  notice  in  the  above  extracts,  and  we  have 
chosen  to  introduce  it  in  this  place. 

Yadkin  District,  Nov.  4th,  1833. 

Dear  Brother  Bass  : — Your  letter  was  received,  and 
I  was  pleased  to  hear  that  you  were  doing  well,  and  still 
resolved  to  pursue  the  strait  gate  and  narrow  way.  This, 
and  this  alone  is  the  sure  way  to  heaven  ;  and  though  we 
may  have  some  difficulties,  for  a  time,  yet  God  will  deliver 
us  from  every  evil  work,  and  preserve  us  unto  his  heavenly 
kingdom.  Let  us  then,  my  brother,  be  willing  to  suffer 
with  our  Lord  here,  that  we  may  reign  with  him  hereafter. 
Now  is  the  time  for  you  to  show  yourself  a  man  for  God. 
Not  indeed  in  the  estimation  of  the  carnally-minded,  but 
in  the  view  of  our  Father — the  angels — the  holy  Scriptures 
— and  even  our  own  consciences.  Let  us  live  so  as  to  main- 
tain peace  within,  and  then  no  weapon  formed  against  us 
shall  prosper.  Let  us  look  steadily  at  what  is  our  duty, 
and  leave  the  consequences  to  God,  and  all  shall  be  well. 

I  would  advise  you  never  to  give  up  the  glorious  strife. 
Do  not  sink  down  into  a  state  of  Laodicean  formality.  Do 
not  be  content  to  go  on  as  the  current  is  moving.  Up,  my 
brother,  and  struggle  against  it  with  all  your  power.  God 
will  help  you — he  will  give  you  the  victory.  Even  now 
he  is  waiting  to  work  with  you,  and  in  you,  "  to  will  and 
to  do  of  his  own  good  pleasure."  How  many  slumbering 
virgins  there  are  that  lack  oil  in  their  lamps  !  May  God 
help  you  and  myself  to  keep  ours  trimmed  and  brightly 
burning.    There  is  no  time  for  delay. 


96 


LIFE  OF  THE 


I  now  heartily  wish  I  had  kept  to  my  feet  when  on 
them.  I  am  fully  persuaded  it  would  have  been  far  bet- 
ter for  me.  I  see  no  other  way  for  me  to  escape  the  cor- 
ruptions of  the  world,  and  my  own  nature  ;  and  even  then 
nothing  can  be  done  but  by  simple  and  lively  faith  in  the 
Lord  Jesus.  But  unless  we  do  what  we  can — even  to  the 
utmost,  God  will  not  give  that  faith.  Let  us  contend  for 
it  earnestly,  my  brother,  and  God  will  give  it  richly  and 
fully.  To  this  end  I  would  advise  you  to  be  up  at  four 
o'clock  in  the  morning.  Pray,  read,  write,  and  pray  again, 
and  He  will  meet  you,  in  blessings,  and  prepare  you  for 
every  good  word  and  work. 

God  has  dealt  very  kindly  with  me — one  of  the  most 
ungrateful  of  his  creatures.  It  is  because  he  is  God,  and 
not  man,  that  I  have  not  been  cut  off,  and  that  forever. 
He  deigns  in  some  degree  to  visit  me,  and  has  not  given 
me  over  unto  death.  My  soul  still  follows  hard  after  him, 
and  nothing  short  of  the  full  salvation  shall  satisfy  me. 
Oh  !  when  shall  the  welcome  day  arrive  that  "  plants  my 
God  in  me." 

We  have  had  some  refreshing  showers  of  grace  on  this 
district ;  yet,  comparatively,  the  waters  run  shallow.  There 
are  some,  however,  genuine  souls.  But  who  lives  up  to 
the  rules  laid  down  in  the  Discipline  ?  They  are  whole- 
some, and  can  scarcely  be  bettered.  How  we  should 
thank  God  that  these  are  not  laid  aside.  *  *  *  * 
Fear  not  man.  Christ  positively  commands  us  not  to  fear. 
Be  not  rash  in  any  thing.  Weigh  every  thing  by  reason 
and  the  Word  of  God. 

Affectionately,  your  brother  in  Christ, 
John  W.  Childs. 

The  foregoing  letter  contains  some  things  that  will  strike 
the  mind  of  the  reader  as  being  a  little  strange.  But  it  is 
of  a  piece  with  almost  every  thing  he  wrote  at  this  time  of 
his  life ;  and  it  is  our  design  to  furnish  a  faithful  record 
of  his  history,  as  supplied  by  his  own  hand,  rather  than 
to  give  our  own  impressions  of  the  man,  or  to  draw  a  mere 
fancy  sketch  of  him.    We  leave  the  reader  to  draw  his  own 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS.  97 


conclusions,  and  to  make  up  his  own  estimate  of  the  cha- 
racter which  we  thus  present. 
We  return  to  his  diary  again. 

u  Nov.  \3th. — Rose  at  four.  Prayed  and  read  my  Bible 
more  than  an  hour.  My  soul  still  follows  hard  after  God. 
Thou  alone  art  able  to  do  the  mighty  work  of  creating  my 
soul  anew  in  Christ  Jesus.  I  bless  thee  for  my  being  and 
all  the  blessings  connected  therewith." 

"  Nov.  14th. — This  morning  rose  after  four.  "O,  my  God, 
vouchsafe  to  keep  my  heart  and  mind  stayed  on  thee. 
Save  me  from  the  motions  of  pride — deliver  me  from  all 
appearance  of  evil.  Let  the  knowledge  of  thyself  be  ex- 
tended through  my  instrumentality." 

In  our  future  extracts  from  his  diary,  we  shall  omit, 
generally,  the  first  line,  which  is  almost  always  in  the  same 
words,  namely  "  Rose  at  four,"  or  "  about  four.  Prayed 
and  re#ad  till  six."  This  was  his  uniform  practice,  and 
the  entry  was  made  accordingly.  Sometimes  he  rose  a 
little  later,  but  he  always  notes  it  with  some  expression  of 
self-reproof.  He  seems  to  have  made  it  a  matter  of  con- 
science, as  he  did  every  thing  else,  to  rise  at  four  o'clock  in 
the  morning ;  and  spend  near  two  hours  in  his  devotions. 
First  praying,  then  reading  his  Bible,  then  writing  in  his 
diary,  then  praying  again.  And  inasmuch  as  he  was  so 
regular  in  this,  we  shall  omit  the  entries  which  relate  to 
it,  unless  for  some  special  reason.  Indeed,  we  shall  omit 
many  of  the  daily  entries  entire,  as  they  are  often  very 
nearly  in  the  same  words,  and  are  short  prayers  for  grace, 
and  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit :  more  properly,  they 
arc  little  conversations  with  God.  His  heart  seems  to 
have  talked  with  God,  and  he  noted  down  his  part  of  the 
conversation.  This  is  the  best  idea  we  can  give  of  the  en- 
tries in  his  diary. 

"  Nov.  15th. — My  heart,  I  fear,  is  not  following  as  stea- 
dily after  God  as  his  word  requires.  0,  show  me  the  hid- 
den cause.  Grant  me  grace  to  put  it  away,  be  it  ever  so 
dear." 

"  Nov.  ISth. — My  soul  earnestly  desires  to  be  filled  with 
the  fulness  of  God.    My  heart  pants  for  the  inestimable 

9 


08 


LIFE  OF  THE 


blessing.  '  Oh  !  when  shall  my  soul  triumphant  prove  V 
Why  breaks  not  out  the  fire  within  ?  I  enjoy  a  good  mea- 
sure of  love,  joy,  and  peace ;  but  I  want  the  witness  that 
my  heart  is  entirely  sanctified.  Lord,  I  believe  I  enjoyed 
it  several  months  last  year. 

'  Oh  !  why  did  I  my  Saviour  leave, 
So  soon  unfaithful  prove  V 

Do  thou  pity  me  in  my  low  estate,  and  reclaim  my  fall- 
ing footsteps.  '  Restore  unto  me  the  joy  of  thy  salvation, 
and  uphold  me  by  thy  free  spirit.' " 

"  Nov.  19th. — My  mind  somewhat  serene.  Found  more 
liberty  in  prayer  than  usual.  See  clearly  my  own  defi- 
ciencies. Oh  !  Ood,  what  a  wonder  that  thine  anger  has 
not  waxed  hot  against  me,  and  sent  me  down  cpaick  into 
hell.  '  0  spare  me  that  I  may  recover  strength  before  I  go 
hence  and  be  no' more  seen.' 

'  I  ask  not  life,  but  let  me  love.' 

I  seriously  promise  in  the  name  of  Jesus  to  try  to  do 
better." 

"  Nov.  20th.—  Thou  Giver  of  all  blessings,  I  bless  thee 
for  the  desire  I  retain  to  serve  thee.  Increase  in  me  this 
disposition,  and  help  me  to  show  forth  thy  praise  by  being 
much  more  faithful." 

"Nov.  21st. — Lord,  I  feel  very  weak;  thou  art  my 
wisdom  and  righteousness.  0  diffuse  thine  image  through 
my  soul.  I  ask,  desire,  and  trust  in  thee  to  be  cleansed 
from  all  sin." 

"  Nov.  22d.— Oh  !  I  pant  for  God— the  living  God. 
When  shall  I  come  and  appear  before  him  !  I  confess  my 
folly — lament  my  backslidings,  and  spread  all  my  wants 
and  woes  before  my  heavenly  Father.  Do  thou  forgive 
and  heal  me.    Save  me  for  thy  mercies'  sake. 

'  I  cannot  rest  till  pure  within — 
Till  I  am  wholly  lost  in  thee.' 

Take  care  of  me  this  day,  and  suffer  me  to  run  into  no 
sin  or  clanger.    Amen.    Save  me,  Lord  Jesus." 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


99 


"  Nov.  23f7. — This  morning  rose  before  four.  Prayed  and 
read  my  Bible  more  than  an  hour.  Examined  the  27th 
chapter  of  Matthew  with  references.  My  soul  received 
much  light,  and  I  trust  strength.  O  Lord,  strengthen 
me  most  gloriously,  and  prepare  me  for  the  great  work  of 
saving  souls.  My  unfaithfulness  makes  me  ashamed; 
but  I  rcjoiee  that  I  have  an  advocate  with  the  Father." 

"  Nov.  24rA. — Had  some  drawings  of  the  Spirit,  but  not 
enough.  0,  my  God,  strengthen  me  in  the  way  thou 
wouldst  have  me  go.  Suffer  not  my  feet  to  slide.  Do 
thou  help  me  mightily  this  Sabbath  day." 

u  Nov.  25th. — Prayed  and  read  my  Bible  more  than  an 
hour.  Found  not  so  much  life  as  I  desire — think  I  know 
the  cause.  O  God,  I  have  solemnly  dedicated  my  soul, 
body,  and  spirit  to  thee  and  to  thy  service.  Wilt  thou 
accept  my  feeble  offering  ?  Oh  !  let  the  name  of  Jesus  be 
more  precious  to  me  every  day  and  hour  that  I  live.  1  Let 
thy  goodness  like  a  fetter'  bind  my  watchful  and  thankful 
heart  to  thee." 

"Nov.  26th. — 0  my  God,  I  praise  thee  for  bringing  me 
safely  to  this  place.  Be  pleased  to  bless  me  with  thy 
special  presence.  Give  me  more  grace, especially  humility." 

u  Nov.  21th. — I  fear  I  am  deficient  in  Christian  charity. 
O,  thou  Author  of  my  salvation,  save  me  from  every  spirit 
and  temper  contrary  to  that  which  was  in  thee.  Save  me 
especially  from  bigotry — from  supposing  we  are  the  people, 
and  all  others  come  short.  May  the  Lord  give  me  a  large 
and  liberal  soul.  Thou  King  of  Glory,  give  it  to  me  now, 
while  I  write.  I  pray  thee,  give  me  the  true  wisdom  in 
this  matter,  and  save  me  for  thy  mercies'  sake.  May  my 
soul  in  thy  sight  be  even  as  a  weaned  child.  Holy  Ghost, 
come  upon  me  this  morning  !" 

"Nov.  28th. — Feel  myself  dull  and  heavy — know  the 
cause.  Do  not  govern  my  appetite  properly.  Oh  !  when 
shall  I — I  who  have  had  occasion  so  often  to  leeture  others 
on  this  subject — live  according  to  wisdom  and  truth. 
Lord  Jesus,  save  me  or  I  perish.  I  know  it  is  thy  will ; 
Oh  !  when  shall  it  be.  Save  me  now  ;  and  to  God  only 
shall  be  all  the  glory,  through  Jesus  Christ.  Amen." 


100 


LIFE  OF  TlfK 


We  pass  over  to  December  3d.  "  Read  a  chapter  ot  two 
with  notes.  Felt  some  life,  but  oh  !  how  far  beneath  my 
privileges  do  I  fall.  Lord,  help  me  to  be  more  prompt  in 
rising  in  the  morning.  Help  me  to  be  more  watchful 
during  the  day.  Let  my  light  shine  brighter  and  brighter 
to  the  perfect  day." 

"  Dec.  4dh. — I  see  my  path  is  beset  with  dangers,  snares, 
and  death.  O  Lord,  to  whom  shall  we  go  but  unto  thee  ? 
I  am  weak,  and  like  Peter  have  denied  thee  in  days  past 
— negatively  if  not  positively.  I  feel  that  I  cannot  en- 
counter the  difficulties  ahead,  unless  thou  dost  greatly 
strengthen  me.  Oh  !  do  it  for  thy  glory  and  thy  great 
name's  sake.  Amen." 

"Dec.  Qth. — Found  peace  and  comfort,  and  a  blessed 
prospect  of  doing  the  will  of  God  more  perfectly — 

'  Already  springing  hope  I  feel, 
God  will  destroy  the  power  of  hell.' 

()  my  God,  wash  me  in  thy  precious  blood,  and  make  my 
heart  steadfast  in  thy  covenant — 

'  Givo  me  Thyself,  from  every  boast, 
From  every  wish  set  free' — 

but  to  glorify  thee  on  earth,  and  find  my  way  to  heaven. 
I  commit  my  soul,  body,  and  spirit  to  thee — vouchsafe  to 
accept  my  sacrifice." 

"  Dec.  7th. — Yesterday  was  fast  day.  Oh  !  how  near  the 
throne  did  my  heavenly  Father  admit  me.  My  multiplied 
sins  and  grievous  backslidings  I  confess  with  shame.  Oh ! 
do  thou  cast  them  all  behind  thy  back." 

"Dec.  8th. —  Sunday  morning. — At  Colonel  Jones's. 
Oh  Lord  !  I  bless  thee  through  Jesus  for  thy  great  goodness. 
Lately  I  have  been  labouring  under  unusual  bodily  weak- 
ness. Since  last  Thursday  have  taken  no  animal  food, 
and  find  myself  much  improved  in  feelings,  and,  I  think, 
in  health.  Lord,  lead  me  in  a  plain  path  because  of  mine 
enemies.  0  strengthen  me  in  body  and  soul  to  do  the  great 
work  I  have  taken  in  hand — to  be  a  witness  for  Jesus." 

"  Dec.  9th. — Felt  more  life  thau  usual — feel  that  God  is 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


101 


drawing  nearer  to  me  continually.  For  several  days,  have 
enjoyed  uncommon  peace  and  tranquillity  both  of  body  and 
mind.  <0  Lord,  I  will  praise  thee ;  for  though  thou  wast 
angry  with  me,  (in  some  degree,)  thine  anger  is  turned 
away  and  thou  dost  comfort  me.'  Help  me  to  persevere 
in  a  course  of  well  doing.  Soon,  I  know,  all  temporal 
things  will  change  and  fade.  Oh  !  let  me  not  be  deceived 
by  the  temptations  that  may  befall  me  ;  but  grant  me  grace 
to  be  all  eye,  all  ear,  all  expectation  in  reference  to  the 
coming  foe,  that  I  be  not  surprised  into  any  known  sin. 
Thou  hast  mercifully  preserved  me  for  a  length  of  time, 
even  from  my  besetting  sin.  0  Holy  Father,  canst  thou 
not  preserve  me  to  the  end  ?  I  ask  for  all  in  and  through 
Jesus  Christ.  Amen  and  Amen." 

"Dec.  llth. — Surely  God  has  come  unusually  near  me, 
and  in  me.  Yesterday  was  a  high  day  to  my  soul.  Oh  ! 
what  blessings  did  my  heavenly  Father  communicate.  I 
can  scarcely  tell  the  time  when  I  felt  so  well  both  in  soul 
and  body.  I  trust  he  gave  a  blessing  to  the  people  also. 
He  is  surely  willing  to  communicate  still  more  of  his  grace. 
Indeed,  for  several  days,  he  has  been  greatly  blessing  me, 
so  that  I  have  been  ready  to  make  Jacob's  promise,  'If 
the  Lord  will  be  with  me,  and  keep  me  in  the  way  that  I 
go/  &c.  0  my  Saviour,  help  me,  and  help  me  mightily, 
and  grant  me  grace  to  lay  out  all  my  health  and  strength 
for  thee.    Even  so,  Lord  Jesus,  thy  will  be  done." 

"  Dec.  — Preached  at  Rock  Spring,  from  Isaiah  xlii. 
18-19.  Spoke  some  strong  words,  especially  against 
brand y-malcers." 

u  Dec.  l<ith. — Saturday  morning. — Rose  at  four.  Prayed 
and  read  my  Bible  for  near  two  hours ;  found  some  life, 
and,  I  hope,  strength.  I  have  eaten  no  animal  food  for 
more  than  a  week,  and  think  my  health  improved  by  it — 
at  any  rate,  I  feel  much  more  free  and  easy  both  in  body 
and  soul.  '  0  Lord,  revive  thy  work,'  bless  my  charge, 
and  save  the  souls  of  the  people.  Oh  !  let  me  never  be 
as  salt  that  has  lost  its  savor.  I  here  devote  myself  anew 
to  thee,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost.  Accept  my  offer- 
ing, and  make  my  body  a  temple  for  the  Holy  Ghost  to 


102 


LIFE  OF  THE 


dwell  in.  O  Lord,  hear ;  and  when  thou  hearest,  forgive ; 
and  come  down  and  dwell  with  a  worm  from  henceforth. 
Amen  :  even  so  come,  Lord  Jesus." 

"Dee.  loth.  Sunday  mormny.—*  *  *  This  Lord's  day 
I  consecrate  my  soul,  body,  and  spirit  to  thy  service. 
Vouchsafe  to  release  me  from  all  my  sins,  and  give  me  the 
inward  kingdom  here,  and  glory  hereafter." 

"  Dec.  17th. — My  resolution  to  be  icholly  the  Lord's  is 
strengthened.  Oh  !  may  the  covenant  blood  be  applied  that 
takes  my  sin3  away.  Lord,  make  me  thy  beloved,  and  let 
me  dwell  safely  under  the  shadow  of  thy  wings.  I  want 
more  purity." 

"  Dec.  lSlh. — Felt  the  Lord  near  and  precious.  Go  with 
me  this  day  to  my  appointment,  and  commune  with  my 
heart  by  the  way.    Lord,  give  a  blessing  to  this  family." 

He  was,  at  the  time  of  the  last  entry,  at  James  Camp- 
bell's, Esq.,  in  Iredell  county,  N.  C.  Mr.  Campbell  was 
one  of  Mr.  Childs's  devoted  friends — an  intelligent  Chris- 
tian gentleman,  and  a  most  judicious  counsellor  in  church 
matters.  He  has  been  dead  for  several  years;  but  his 
memory  lives,  and  his  influence  is  still  felt.  From  Mr. 
Campbell's,  Mr.  Childs  rode  to  Salisbury,  and  stopped  with 
his  devoted  friend  Mr.  Palmer,  at  whose  house  he  almost 
always  lodged  when  in  that  place.    Here  he  writes — 

"Dec.  19  th. — Felt  sweet  peace,  but  want  a  greater  fulness. 
Preached  last  night,  in  this  place,  to  a  few  people,  with 
some  liberty;  and,  I  trust,  some  good  was  done.  Lord,  save 
the  inhabitants  of  Salisbury.  I  cannot  forbear  recording, 
this  morning,  the  goodness  of  God  to  my  soul.  For  some 
time  my  soul  has  been  almost  continually  living  in  the 
victory  of  the  grace  of  God. 

'  Oh,  how  shall  words,  with  equal  warmth, 
My  gratitude  declare, 
That  glows  within  my  ravished  soul, 
But  Thou  canst  read  it  there.' 

'  I  will  bless  the  Lord  at  all  times  :  His  praise  shall  con- 
tinually be  in  my  mouth.'  '  Keep  me,  keep  me,  gracious 
Lord,  and  never  let  me  go.'  " 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


103 


" Lexington,  Dec.  20th. — At  Mr.  McRorie's.  Felt  the 
presence  of  the  Lord  in  some  good  degree,  though  not  as 
clearly  and  sensibly  as  for  some  days  past.  Yet,  I  think  I 
know  the  cause.  O  Lord,  help  me  to  be  more  watchful  in 
the  article  of  food.  Grant  me  grace  to  use  only  that 
quality  and  quantity  that  is  best  for  me.  My  soul  in 
some  degree  dwells  in  the  victory  of  the  grace  of  God. 
Preached  last  night  in  this  place.  The  Lord  in  great 
mercy  gave  me  forcible  words,  for  which  I  am  thankful. 
Oh  !  that  tbey  may  not  fall  to  the  ground.  0  Lord,  save 
the  inhabitants  of  this  village." 

Mr.  McRorie,  with  whom  Mr.  Childs  uniformly. lodged 
in  Lexington,  was  a  pious  Presbyterian  gentleman.  He 
was  devotedly  attached  to  Mr.  Childs,  and  would  not  allow 
him  to  call  any  other  place  his  home  in  the  village. 

We  next  find  him  at  Midway,  in  Davidson  county,  where 
he  writes : — "  Dec.  21st. — Yesterday  we  dedicated  Midway 
chapel  to  the  service  of  the  Triune  God.  My  subject  (Isaiah, 
56th  chap.,  7th  verse)  was  new,  and  my  thoughts  were 
quite  scattering;  but,  towards  the  last,  the  Lord  poured  his 
Spirit  upon  us,  and  we  had  a  gracious  time  indeed.  0  Lord, 
make  thyself  known  during  this  quarterly-meeting." 

"  Dec.  22d. — I  have  enjoyed  much  peace  for  the  last 
two  weeks,  for  which  I  thank  God  through  Jesus  Christ. 

'  Still  hold  my  soul  in  second  life, 
Till  I  thy  glory  see ; 
Until  the  sprinkling  of  thy  Wood, 
Shall  speak  me  up  to  thoe !'  " 

"  Dec.  23(7. — Yesterday  my  soul  was  in  a  state  of  severe 
trial.  0  Lord,  I  throw  myself  upon  thy  mercy  in  Christ 
Jesus.    Keep  me  this  day." 

The  next  day  we  find  him  again  with  his  friend  and 
brother,  Mr.  McRorie,  in  Lexington,  where  he  writes : 
"Dec.2ith. — Felt  some  comfort  and  life;  but  how  far 
short  do  I  come  of  my  covenant  engagements  with  my 
God !  How  much  am  I  a  slave  yet  to  the  opinions, 
fashions,  and  customs  of  men  !  How  much  want  of  that 
real  love  to  my  neighbour  as  to  myself !    Oh  my  God  ! 


104 


LIFE  OF  THE 


is  not  the  want  of  perfect  love  to  thee  the  true  cause  of 
this  deficiency  ?  I  see  it — I  feel  it;  and  by  the  grace  of 
God  I  purpose  to  amend  my  ways  and  my  doings.  Oh 
Jesus !  suffer  me  not  to  fall  from  my  steadfastness ;  but 
do  thou  make  me  more  and  more  immovable,  always 
abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord  !  Preached  last  night 
in  this  place  in  one  of  the  jury  rooms  in  the  court-house 
to  a  few  persons.  Had  some  life  and  liberty ;  but  oh  !  I 
fear  I  am  yet  preaching  myself  instead  of  Christ.  Father, 
Son,  and  Holy  Spirit,  preserve  me,  a  worm  of  the  earth." 

"  Wednesday  morning,  Christmas  Day,  Dec.  25th. — At 
Bro.  LX  Mock's.  Rose  near  six !  Strange  that  I  should 
oversleep  myself!  An  unusual  dulness — sluggishness — 
think  I  know  the  cause.  Lord,  I  kiss  the  rod,  and  adore 
the  hand  that  sent  it,  though  for  the  present  it  be  not  joy- 
ous but  grievous,  nevertheless,  afterwards  it  shall  yield 
the  peaceable  fruit  of  righteousness.  Grant  me  grace  to 
be  properly  exercised." 

"Dec.  26th. — Enjoyed  a  calm  serenity  of  mind;  yet 
oh  !  my  Lord,  I  want  power  to  watch  unto  prayer.  Help 
me  to  live  through  this  day,  and  through  succeeding  days 
to  the  glory  of  thy  name." 

"  Dec.  21th. — My  purpose  remains  unshaken  to  do  the 
will  of  my  heavenly  Father.  O  Lord,  who  am  I  that  thou 
shouldst  condescend  to  take  knowledge  of  me." 

"Ashborough,  Dec.  28th. — At  Col.  Elliott's.  Found  a 
degree  of  peace,  but  fear  I  do  not  '  hunger  and  thirst  after 
righteousness.'  Lord,  stir  me  up  to  double  my  diligence. 
When  shall  a  crucifixion  of  the  flesh,  an  entire  crucifixion 
be  obtained  ?  Oh  !  hasten  the  joyful  day.  Lord,  speedily 
accomplish  the  work  with  power.  I  am  thine,  save  me 
for  Jesus'  sake." 

liDec.  28th. — Still  at  Col.  Elliott's.  Sunday  morning. 
Enjoy  more  apparent  health  of  body  and  peace  of  mind 
than  usual ;  but  oh  !  I  am  not  zealous  enough,  do  not 
'  hunger  and  thirst  after  righteousness'  sufficiently.  Lord, 
save  me  from  all  my  besetments,  and  give  me  grace  to 
watch  unto  prayer  continually.  Oh  !  assist  me  to  love  thy 
law.    May  it  be  better  to  me  than  thousands  of  gold  and 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


105 


silver.  This  day  be  with  me  in  ray  public  ministrations, 
and  may  I  worthily  partake  of  the  broken  body  and  spilt 
blood  of  my  Saviour.  Aid  me  in  every  thing,  that  thy 
name  may  be  glorified,  aud  the  souls  of  the  people  edified 
and  saved." 

>  11  Dec.  SOth.— Still  at  Col.  Elliott's.  (A  kind  family.) 
Slept  about  six  hours  during  the  night.  Found  inde- 
scribable peace  in  my  devotions.  Oh  !  what  comfort  and 
happiness  should  I  lose  were  sleep  to  overcome  me.  O 
Lord,  help  me  to  live  regularly  and  religiously  before 
thee. 

"  Yesterday  was  a  day  of  uncommon  comfort  to  my 
soul.  The  Lord  enabled  me  to  preach  to  the  large  con- 
gregation that  attended,  to  edification  and  comfort,  1  trust. 
0,  my  heavenly  Father,  seal  instruction  on  many  hearts. 
Oh  !  give  me  the  preparation  of  soul  requisite  for  the 
faithful  performance  of  my  pastoral  duties.  Come,  Lord 
Jesus,  into  my  heart — into  my  labours,  and  in  thine  own 
good  time  take  me  away  from  a  world  of  tribulation 
and  trial.  Thou  art  mine,  and  with  confidence  I  call  thee 
Father.    What  shall  I  do  to  praise  thee — 

'  Praise  to  Thee,  eternal  merit, 
Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit.' " 

"  Dec.  30th,  1833.— Same  place  still.  Felt  peace  in 
my  soul  in  my  morning  devotions.  I  trust  the  people  of 
Ashborough  are  solemnly  impressed  with  the  subject  of 
religion.  All  seem  to  be  kind ;  but,  Lord,  thou  knowest 
bow  long  this  will  last.    I  commit  my  way  to  thee." 

We  next  find  him  in  Guilford  county,  at  the  house  of  a 
kind  Christian  brother,  where  on  the  1st  of  January,  1834, 
he  writes  as  follows  :  "  Rose  a  little  after  three.  My  soul 
iu  some  degree  stayed  upon  God.  '  My  soul  followeth 
hard  after  God,  and  his  right  hand  upholdeth  me.'  I 
desire,  this  morning,  to  give  myself  anew  to  thee.  0  ac- 
cept of  my  poor  sacrifice,  and  do  thou  condescend  to  pre- 
serve me  from  all  sin,  and  make  rae  a  vessel  unto  honour, 
fitted  for  the  master's  use.  O  give  me  more  of  the  mind 
that  was  in  Christ  Jesus ;  and  may  my  '  adorning'  be  tbe 


106 


LIFE  OF  THE 


inward  adorning  '  of  a  meek  and  quiet  spirit,  which  is  in 
the  sight  of  God  of  great  price.'  " 

"  Greenhorough,  Jan.  2d,  1834. — Rose  at  quarter  after 
three  ;  felt  calm  and  peaceful.  Prayed  and  read  my  Bible, 
after  which  I  talked  a  little  too  much ;  felt  a  momentary 
check ;  but  oh  !  how  soon  pardoning  love  takes  place.  O 
Lord  take  me  into  closer  union  with  thyself.  I  am  vile, 
and  helpless,  and  miserable  without  thee.  Give  me  the 
humility  of  the  Gospel,  and  aid  in  all  my  attempts  to  do 
good  in  thy  name.  I  want  more  grace,  more  love,  zeal, 
and  profound  humility." 

"  Jan.  3d,  Friday  morning. — At  Bro.  Edwards's. 
Rose  before  five.  Prayed  and  read  my  Bible  nearly  two 
hours  or  quite.  Felt  the  presence  of  our  heavenly  Father 
in  a  good  degree.  0  my  God,  I  praise  thee  for  what  thou 
hast  and  dost  impart;  but  this  cannot  suffice.  I  still 
look  for  more.  Pity  my  unwatchfulness,  and  give  me 
perfect  love.    Swallow  up  my  soul  in  love — 

'  Oh  love  !  thou  bottomless  abyss.' 

I  this  morning  reconsecrate  my  soul,  body,  and  spirit  to 
thee :  all  I  have,  all  I  am.  Oh  !  take  me — seal  me  for 
thine  own,  and 

'Thine  shall  be  the  glory, 
Man's  the  boundless  bliss.' 

Come  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit,  and  reign  in  me  : 

'  No  longer  from  thy  creature  stay, 
My  author  and  my  end.' 

Thy  service  is  perfect  freedom.  0  my  Father,  evermore 
give  me  this  bread  from  heaven." 

From  the  date  of  the  last  entry,  the  author  was  in  com- 
pany with  Mr.  Childs  for  several  days  following,  and  was 
the  witness  of  his  extraordinary  devotions.  We  rode  nearly 
thirty  miles  on  the  3d  of  January ;  and  it  was,  perhaps, 
one  of  the  coldest  days  of  that  winter.  It  was  Mr.  Childs's 
fast,  for  he  fasted  every  Friday ;  and  with  the  exception 
of  a  little  bread  and  cheese,  which  he  took  about  three 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  he  ate  nothing  till  nearly  eight 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


107 


o'clock  in  the  evening.  We  had  gone  about  nine  miles 
on  our  journey,  when  we  came  to  a  little  village  in  which 
Mr.  Childs  had  several  acquaintances.  He  rode  up  to  the 
door  of  their  houses  and  inquired  after  the  health  of  the 
inmates ;  and  finding  a  member  of  one  of  the  families  ill, 
he  dismounted  and  went  in,  and  after  a  little  conversation, 
he  proposed  prayer,  according  to  his  usual  custom,  and 
then  he  importuned,  and  plead  with  God  for  the  recovery 
of  his  friend.  He  left  the  family  and  friends  all  in  tears, 
and  proceeded  on  his  journey. 

Just  at  nightfall  we  stopped  at  a  house  of  private  en- 
tertainment, and  took  lodgings  for  the  night.  It  was  ex- 
tremely cold.  The  room  to  which  we  were  assigned  was 
for  some  time  without  fire ;  but  Mr.  Childs,  true  to  his 
devotions,  was  engaged  in  private  prayer  for  some  time 
before  supper  was  announced.  There  was  a  good  deal  of 
company  in  the  house ;  and  there  were  some  who  were  a 
little  frolicsome  and  full  of  life,  who  kept  up  a  good  deal 
of  noise  and  mirth  below  stairs.  This  annoyed  Mr.  Childs 
very  much  :  for  the  house  was  kept  by  a  Methodist.  Sup- 
per was  late  ;  Mr.  Childs  was  wearied  with  the  day's  travel 
through  the  cold;  and  the  boisterous  conversation,  loud 
laughing,  and  constant  bustle  seemed,  momentarily,  to  dis- 
turb the  equanimity  of  his  spirit.  And  after  praying 
earnestly  for  awhile,  he  went  down  to  the  foot  of  the  stair- 
way in  the  passage,  and  asked  a  servant  to  request  the  lady 
of  the  house  to  come  to  him.  She  did  so  ;  and  he,  in  the 
most  gentle  and  affectionate  manner,  remonstrated  with  her, 
as  a  Christian,  for  permitting  such  behaviour  under  her 
roof.  It  was  but  a  few  moments  before  every  thing  was 
quiet,  and  he  was  no  more  disturbed  in  his  devotions.  The 
next  morning  he  made  the  following  entry  in  his  diary  : — 
11  Jan.  Ath. — Rose  before  six.  Prayed  and  read  my  Bible 
about  an  hour.  Dull — some  life  towards  the  last.  How 
much  true  religion  is  wanted  here  !  0  Lord,  open  their 
eyes,  and  open  the  eyes  of  all  our  preachers,  that  we  may 
not  rest  till  there  be  no  room  left  for  error  in  doctrine,  and 
viciousness  in  life." 

It  is  not  too  much  to  intimate  that  the  dulness  of  which 


108 


LIFE  OF  THE 


be  here  complains  was  the  result  of  physical  and  not  moral 
causes.  Mr.  Childs  had  been  exposed  to  the  cold  the 
previous  day,  through  a  fatiguing  ride.  He  had  fasted  the 
whole  day.  He  did  not  get  to  bed  as  early  as  usual,  and 
his  rest  was  broken.  It  is  to  be  apprehended  that  Chris- 
tians often  write  bitter  things  against  themselves,  and 
complain  of  coldness  and  want  of  zeal  in  religion,  and  even 
accuse  themselves  of  backsliding,  when  the  whole  is  attri- 
butable to  physical  causes,  and  not  to  be  ascribed  to  any 
neglect  of  duty  or  moral  delinquency  whatever.  Mr.  Childs, 
we  dare  believe,  often  condemned  himself  for  a  want  of  more 
spiritual  life,  and  for  apathy  in  his  devotions,  when  the 
fact  is,  he  was  so  exhausted,  physically,  that  he  could 
not  rise  above  the  languor  consequent  on  such  exhaustion. 
But  to  return  : — 

"Lexington,  Jan.  5th. — At  friend  McKorie's.  *  *  *  * 
Through  grace  was,  in  a  degree,  melted.  Lord  soften  my 
heart  yet  more  and  more.  I  have  come  short  of  thy  glory. 
O  save  me  for  thy  mercies'  sake.  O  keep  me  as  the  apple 
of  thine  eye.  Hide  me  in  the  secret  of  thy  pavilion.  Is 
it  so  that  I  am  engaged  to  change  my  relation  in  life  ?  My 
God,  I  thank  thee — I  receive  her  as  from  thee;  thou 
knowest  that  in  some  respects  I  have  been  submissive.  I 
had  given  up  all  expectation,  and  now  receive  her  as  im- 
mediately from  thee.  Lord  Jesus,  make  us  faithful.  O' 
bless  us,  and  bless  us  abundantly." 

The  reader  will  find  an  explanation  of  some  of  the  matters 
alluded  to  above,  in  the  correspondence  between  Mr.  Childs 
and  Miss  Hives,  a  part  of  which  we  shall  presently  submit 
to  inspection.  It  will  be  seen  that  he  conducted  his  whole 
correspondence  on  the  subject  of  matrimony,  with  the  same 
conscientiousness  and  submission  to  God  that  he  did  every 
thing  else  of  his  life.  It  will  be  seen  that  he  was  willing 
sooner  to  give  up  the  dearest  object  of  his  love,  than  to 
surrender  one  solitary  point  in  which  his  conscience,  as  an 
intinerant  minister,  was  involved.  But  we  must  not  anti- 
cipate. 

He  remained  for  several  days  with  his  "friend  McRorie," 
as  he  calls  him,  in  Lexington.     The  weather  was  still 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


109 


intensely  cold,  and  he  could  not  be  out  much  in  visiting 
from  house  to  house.    He  writes — 

"Jan.  Gth. — Prayed  and  read — found  some  sweetness  at 
last ;  but  there  has  been  a  cloud  hanging  over  me  for  a 
day  or  two.  Lord,  thou  knowest  the  cause.  Whatever 
obstructs  thy  pardoning  love,  remove,  thy  glory  to  display. 
See  me — know  the  way  that  I  take — preserve  my  life  from 
the  fear  of  the  enemy." 

The  author  remembers  distinctly  a  conversation  with 
Mr.  Childs  on  the  day  of  the  entry  just  quoted,  in 
relation  to  the  cloud  which  had  for  a  day  or  two  beeu 
hanging  over  him.  He  is  remembered  to  have  stated  that 
he  thought  he  had  discovered  the  cause  of  his  darkness ; 
and  then  went  on  to  assign  the  following  as  the  most  pro- 
bable. Said  he,  "When  in  Greensborough,  the  other  day, I 
purchased  a  new  suit  of  clothes,  for  which  I  paid  four  and 
a  half  dollars  per  yard."  (I  think  that  was  the  price.)  "I 
might  have  got  a  good,  substantial  cassinet,  at  considerably 
less,  and  thus  I  could  have  saved  a  few  dollars  to  give 
to  the  poor.  The  latter  article  would  have  been  just  as 
comfortable,  and  would  have  done  me  equal  service,  and  I 
might,  in  the  mean  while,  have  had  something  to  relieve  the 
necessities  of  the  destitute  and  suffering."  He  seemed  really 
to  think  that  this  was  the  cause  of  the  cloud  that  had  ob- 
scured the  sun  of  righteousness.  He  added,  "If  God  will 
pardon  me  in  this  instance,  I  will,  by  his  grace  assisting 
me,  do  so  no  more."  And  so  far  as  we  know  or  believe, 
he  never  gave  even  four  and  a  half  dollars  for  cloth  to 
wear  himself,  till  the  day  of  his  death.  We  refrain  from 
any  comment  on  these  facts,  preferring  to  leave  them  with 
the  reader  to  draw  his  own  conclusions  and  make  his  own 
improvements. 

"Jan.  7th. — The  weather  extremely  cold.  Lord,  I  confess  . 
my  sin  and  shame  unto  thee.    Do  thou  bless  me  for  the 
sake  of  Jesus,  and  pardon  mine  iniquity,  for  it  is  great. 
Oh !  I  have  not  loved  my  neighbour  as  myself ;  assist  me 
in  this  matter,  for  the  time  to  come." 

"  Jan.  St/i. — *  *  *    O  Lord,  forgive  me  all  that  thou 
hast  seen  amiss  in  my  spirit,  conversation,  or  actions.  O 
10 


110 


LIFE  OF  THE 


Lord,  thou  knowest  the  trial  that  awaits  me ;  stand  by  me 
and  help  me  through  it.  Be  pleased  to  hear  me  when  I 
call  upon  thee,  and  if  I  should  be  so  stupid  as  to  forget 
thee,  Lord,  stir  me  up  and  remind  me  of  my  duty." 

"  Jan.  9th. — Found  not  so  much  peace  as  usual  in  my 
devotions.  Think  I  know  the  cause — have  indulged  my 
fleshly  appetite  too  much.  Oh !  when  shall  I  be  temperate 
in  all  things — especially  in  food." 

"Jamestown,  Guilford,  N.  C.,Jan.  10th,  1834.—  *  *  * 
My  soul  pants  after  more.  Yesterday,  upon  the  whole, 
was  a  day  of  peace  and  comfort  to  my  soul ;  though,  after 
ljing  down,  my  sleep  was  a  little  disturbed,  I  think,  by 
supernatural  influence.  O  Lord,  hast  thou  not  promised 
that  thine  angels  shall  encamp  round  about  them  that  fear 
thee,  to  deliver  them.  O  do  thou  give  them  charge  over 
me,  and  save  me  and  mine  from  the  seductions  of  the  devil. 
Preserve  my  mind  in  perfect  peace,  and  perfect  me  in  love, 
and  save  me  from  sinking  down  again  to  the  earth." 

"Jan.  11th. — The  Lord  has  given  me  a  good  degree  of 
comfort ;  but  I  want  a  sanctified  spirit.  Grant  me  the  bless- 
ing of  a  clean  heart. 

"This  morning  I  consecrate  all  I  have  and  am  afresh  to 
thy  service.  I  know  Thou  art  with  me,  but  oh,  do  Thou 
fill  me  with  the  fulness  of  God." 

"  G  reensborongh,  Jan.  11th. — My  mind  wandering — ■ 
think  I  know  the  cause.  Oh  !  how  do  outward  things  en- 
snare my  soul.  My  God,  crucify  me  to  this  poor  world 
more  and  more.  Lord,  help  me  to  remember  the  poor,  in 
all  my  movements,  when  I  go  to  purchase  necessary  cloth- 
ing. Oh  !  help  me  to  study  how  much  may  be  saved 
to  give  to  the  poor  and  needy.  Father,  I  ask  this  through 
Jesus ;  for  I  know,  if  left  to  myself,  I  shall  follow  a  mul- 
titude to  do  evil.  I  shall  '  hide  myself  from  my  own 
flesh.'  Be  pleased  to  forgive  me  what  is  past  in  this 
matter.  Let  '  the  time  past  suffice,'  in  this  respect,  '  to 
have  wrought  the  will  of  the  Gentiles.'  Lord  Jesus,  blot 
out  all  my  past  follies,  and  give  me  grace  and  strength  for 
time  to  come.  I  would  this  morning  devote  myself  anew 
to  thy  service. 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHII.DS. 


Ill 


"  Ob  !  what  freedom  do  I  find  in  my  bodily  health  to 
what  I  formerly  felt.  O  Jesus,  humble  me,  and  give  me 
grace  to  improve  every  faculty  of  my  soul  and  body  to 
thy  glory." 

It  will  be  remembered  that  the  purchase  of  a  suit  of 
clothes,  referred  to  at  a  previous  date,  had  given  him  a 
good  deal  of  trouble,  and  greatly  interfered  with  his  spiri- 
tual enjoyments.  He  made  this  purchase  in  Greensborough ; 
and  at  the  date  of  the  entry  above,  he  had  returned  to  get 
them  from  his  tailor  ;  and  again,  we  find,  he  alludes  to  the 
subject  as  a  source  of  self-reproach.  And  yet  this  was  an 
exceedingly  plain  and  cheap  suit  of  clothes.  The  entire 
suit  was  a  plain,  dark  drab,  and  was  made  up  in  the  old- 
fashioned  Methodist  style.  Indeed,  it  was  more  of  the 
Quaker  order;  and  yet  he  feared  he  had  expended  too 
much  money  in  this  purchase.  And  how  devoutly  does 
he  beseech  his  heavenly  Father  to  help  him  to  remember 
the  poor  in  the  future,  when  he  shall  make  purchases  of 
wearing-apparel !  How  few  Christians  among  us,  who  can 
adopt  the  petition,  11  Oh!  help  me  to  study  how  much  may  be 
saved  to  give  to  the  poor  and  needy,  ichen  I  go  to  purchase 
necessary  clothing  !" 

"  Jan.  VSth. — Yesterday,  in  the  early  part  of  the  day, 
was  a  season  of  prosperity ;  but  fear  my  spirit  was  a  little 
elated.  O  Jesus,  keep  me  from  the  least  approach  that 
way.  Hide  pride  from  me ;  or,  rather,  hide  me  from  pride 
of  every  sort  that  is  offensive  in  thy  sight.  Forgive,  if  I 
have  indulged  the  accursed  thing  in  any  degree.  *  *  * 
Come,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit — take  possession  of  thy 
temple,  and  stretch  out  the  wings  of  the  cherubim  over 
me." 

u  Jan.  Uth. — Rose  at  five — spent  too  much  time  in  fix- 
ing.   Lord,  forgive  me." 

"Jan.  lbth. — My  mind  in  a  state  of  peace  and  tran- 
quillity, but  not  yet  a  fulness.  O  my  God  !  whatever 
obstructs,  let  it  obstruct  in  vain.  Let  me  live  continually 
in  the  victory  of  the  grace  of  God.  *  *  *  0  Jesus,  let 
thy  name  be  honoured  by  me,  through  me,  and  in  me. 
Save  me  from  a  wandering  mind." 


112 


LIFE  OF  THE 


"Jan.  17th. — Eose  after  three — prayed  and  read  my 
Bible  for  more  than  an  hour.  Lord,  do  I  waste  any  time 
in  this  respect  ?  If  thou  seest  that  I  do,  oh  !  convince  me 
of  it.  If  thou  wouldst  have  me  prompt  to  an  hour,  be 
pleased  to  let  thy  Spirit  lead  me  in  this  and  every  other 
way  thou  wouldst  have  me  go.  Oh  !  make  my  conscience 
quick  as  the  apple  of  an  eye.  Jesus,  lead  me  in  a  plain 
path,  and  help  me  to  bring  forth  more  fruit.  Oh  !  purge 
me — thou  dost,  and  I  am  thankful.  Upon  me  lay  thy 
mighty  hand  of  grace — my  thoughts,  words,  and  actions 
restrain,  that  all  may  be  a  sacrifice  acceptable  to  thee,  and 
to  thy  Father,  through  thy  Holy  Spirit.  Even  so,  Lord 
Jesus." 

"  Jan.  18th. — Felt  sweet  peace  and  heavenly  consola- 
tion in  my  morning  devotions.  O  God,  I  will  praise 
thee  for  what  thou  hast  done  for  me.  Perfect  thy  work 
within  me,  and  make  me  more  and  more  holy." 

"  Jan.  19th. — Prayed  and  read  my  Bible  with  references, 
for  near  two  hours.  My  soul  calmly  resting  upon  God. 
Oh  !  what  has  my  heavenly  Father  done  for  me  lately. 
Surely  he  has  deepened  his  work  in  my  soul ;  and  though 
I  do  not  know  that  I  have  obtained  the  fulness  of  the  pur- 
chased possession,  yet  my  soul  wellnigh  lives  in  the  vic- 
tory of  the  grace  of  God,  calmly  and  sweetly  resting  in  the 
arms  of  Jesus.  O  my  blessed  Saviour,  refine  me  yet  more 
and  more,  that  through  thy  name  I  may  bear  more  fruit. 
This  day  deign  to  go  with  me,  and  preserve  me  from  the 
machinations  of  the  devil.  Let  my  soul  sit  at  thy  feet  and 
listen  to  heavenly  instruction." 

"Jan.  20th. — Kose  at  half-past  three.  Feel  sweet  peace 
in  my  soul — am  looking  up  for  larger  measures  of  grace 
and  mercy.  0  my  God,  I  humbly  thank  thee  for  the  de- 
gree that  I  enjoy;  but  let  me  not  rest  satisfied  with  this, 
but  rather  with  unwearied  delight  let  me  c  press  to  the 
mark  for  the  prize  of  my  high  calling  of  God  in  Christ 
Jesus.'  *  *  *  I  thank  thee  for  giving  me  to  speak 
thy  word,  yesterday,  with  a  degree  of  power.  Lord,  save 
me  and  the  dear  people  for  whom  Christ  died.   Oh  !  let  not 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


113 


thy  word  return  void.  Thou  alone  canst  help  me,  Father, 
Son,  and  Holy  Spirit." 

Mr.  Childs  had  finished  his  work  for  the  Conference 
3'ear,  and  we  shall  next  find  him  on  his  way  to  Lynchburg, 
Virginia,  whither  he  was  going  to  visit  his  friends,  intend- 
ing also  to  make  a  trip  to  Richmond,  and  a  tour  of  visita- 
tion among  his  old  acquaintances  in  the  intervening  por- 
tions of  the  State,  where  he  had  formerly  travelled  and 
laboured,  before  going  up  to  the  Conference,  which  was  to 
be  held  at  Raleigh,  North  Carolina,  in  the  month  of 
February. 

From  the  last  entries  it  will  be  seen  that  he  had  almost, 
if  not  entirely  regained  the  state  of  grace  in  which  he  had 
been  while  on  the  Buckingham  circuit.  He  says — "  /  do 
not  litww  that  I  have  obtained  the  fulness  of  tlic  purchased 
possession,  yet  my  soul  wellnigh  lives  in  the  victory  of  the 
grace  of  God."  He  was  in  an  exalted  state  of  Christian 
enjoyment.  He  lived  in  constant  communion  with  God. 
His  peace  was  like  a  river — ever  flowing,  deepening, 
widening,  and  spreading  out  toward  the  great  ocean  of 
eternal  love.  In  reviewing  his  year's  labours,  he  had  oc- 
casion to  thank  God  and  take  courage.  He  had  gone 
through  sore  trials  of  his  faith  and  severe  buffetings  of 
the  devil,  and  yet  amid  all  he  had  held  on  his  way  and 
made  progress  in  the  Divine  life. 

The  last  two  weeks  preceeding  his  departure  from  the 
district,  he  spent  among  his  Christian  brethren  and  friends 
on  the  Guilford  circuit. 

On  the  21st  of  January  he  started  for  Lynchburg;  and 
on  the  morning  of  the  22d,  he  makes  the  following  entry, 
at  Brother  Field's  : — "  Yesterday  on  the  road,  my  soul  was 
;  again  and  again  watered  and  fed.  0  my  Lord,  keep  me 
near  thy  bleeding  side.  One  thing,  however,  yesterday, 
I  omitted  to  do.  Lord,  forgive  me.  Calling  at  a  house  to 
warm,  the  master  I  found  to  be  t  wise  in  his  own  conceit,' 
and  I  did  not  propose  prayer  before  leaving.  Help  me,  0 
Lord,  to  be  always  about  my  Master's  business,  that  no 
day  may  be  spent  without  making  an  effort  to  do  good  in 
thy  name. 


114 


LIFE  OF  THE 


"  Be  pleased  to  keep  me  this  day — prosper  <.  on  my 
journey — preserve  me  from  accident  and  danger,  and  may 
thy  grace  shine  upon  my  heart.  Oh  !  if  it  be  thy  will,  give 
me  good  weather — thy  will  be  done." 

"  Jan.  23f7. — Pittsylvania  Court-house.  Hose  at  four. 
Prayed  and  read  my  Bible  more  than  an  hour.  Pelt  a 
degree  of  peace,  but  not  a  fulness.  Lord,  give  me  all  my 
soul  requires." 

"  Jan.  24th. — At  Brother  Henry  Moorman's.  The  Lord 
graciously  favoured  me  with  his  presence  this  morning.  0 
God,  still  continue  thy  lovingkindness  to  an  unworthy  worm, 
and  bless  me  in  my  intercourse  with  my  fellow-creatures. 
Give  me,  this  day,  spiritual  life ;  and  may  '  the  words  of 
my  lips  and  the  meditations  of  my  heart  be  acceptable  in 
thy  sight,  0  Lord,  my  Strength  and  my  Redeemer.'  " 

"  Lynchburg,  at  Brother  Early  s,  Jan.  25th. — 0  my  Lord, 
I  will  bless  thee  for  what  I  do  feel,  and  verily  believe  thou 
hast  a  larger  blessing  in  store  for  me.  Lead  me  forth  this 
day ;  assist  me  to  be  firm  to  my  purpose,  and  help  me  in 
my  humble  measure  to  glorify  thee  on  earth." 

The  week  following  the  last  date  was  spent  in  Lynch- 
burg. The  entries  in  his  diary  are  longer  than  usual ;  but 
they  do  not  present  sufficient  variety  to  justify  their  in- 
troduction at  length. 

His  spiritual  experience  continues  pretty  uniform,  and 
about  of  the  same  type  as  that  presented  for  the  last  two  or 
three  weeks.    He  writes — 

"Jan.  2Qth. — I  want  constant  power  to  rejoice,  pray, 
give  thanks.  Attempted  to  speak  twice  in  this  place  yester- 
day. Felt  the  Lord  measurably  assisted  me.  0  Lord  remove 
every  impediment  out  of  the  way,  and  make  me  a  vessel 
unto  honour,  sanctified  and  meet  for  the  Master's  use." 

"  Jan.  21th. — Oh  do  thou  give  me  rectitude  of  heart  and 
rectitude  of  life  !  Give  me  at  all  times  the  testimony  of 
thy  Spirit  that  my  heart  is  purified.  In  my  feeble  way, 
I  attempted  to  preach  and  exhort  both,  yesterday  :  the 
comforting  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  I  trust,  each  time 
was  with  me." 

"Jan.  28th. — *  *  *  Felt  the  Lord  present  with  me,  and 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


115 


feel  that  he  has  done  great  things  for  me,  whereof  I  am 
glad.  Though  I  do  not  yet  enjoy  the  fulness;  yet,  bless 
the  Lord,  I  feci  my  soul  lies  prostrate  in  his  hand — he  will 
do  the  mighty  work.  Lord,  give  me  the  fulness  of  the 
purchased  possession — to  me  and  to  my  intended  com- 
panion— to  all,  who,  for  full  redemption  wait. 

"  Last  night  I  endeavoured  to  preach  again  in  much 
weakness,  but  trust  the  word  was  accompanied  with  Divine 
power.  O  Lord,  let  not  the  feeble  effort  be  in  vain ;  but 
accompany  the  word  with  the  Holy  Spirit." 

"Jan.  29th. — I  feel  I  am  unfaithful ;  and,  perhaps,  the 
step  I  am  about  to  take  may  have  betrayed  me  into  some 
improprieties.  0  thou  Searcher  of  Hearts,  search  my 
heart !  See  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me.  Guide 
me  continually  by  thy  word  and  Spirit." 

On  the  30th  January,  Mr.  Childs  left  Lynchburg  for 
the  city  of  Richmond.  January  31st  he  writes — "  At  Sister 
Burge's.  Yesterday  was  a  day  of  comfort  to  my  soul.  *  *  * 
May  I  be  useful  wherever  I  go." 

"  Feb.  1st,  1834 —At  Capt.  Davidson's.  Feel  the  pre- 
sence of  my  3Iaker;  but  long  for  the  brighter  and  clearer 
displays  of  his  mercy,  favour,  and  goodness.  I  desire  to 
devote  myself  anew  to  the  service  of  God." 

"At  Sister  Jones's,  Sunday  morning,  Feb.  2d. — Deep 
snow.  Not  as  much  life  as  usual,  though  my  soul  feels  in 
a  good  state.  Help  me  to  walk  before  Thee  with  more 
caution  and  circumspection.  Oh !  for  the  Holy  Spirit  to  sit 
upon  my  heart  as  a  refiner's  fire  and  as  fullers'  soap,  that 
all  the  dross  and  tin  of  base  desire  may  be  purged  away." 

"At  Bro.  R.  Gillum's,  Feb.  %d. — The  Lord,  in  some 
measure,  has  turned  my  captivity ;  for,  last  night,  I  was  bur- 
dened, fearing  I  had  broken,  or  had  been  the  occasion  of 
others  breaking  the  Sabbath.  0  my  God,  show  me  clearly 
what  thou  wouldst  have  me  do.  Did  I  transgress  in  re- 
moving yesterday  ?  Thou  knowest  my  design.  For  the 
sake  of  Jesus,  forgive,  and  grant  me  an  increase  of  grace 
and  a  truly  enlightened  couscience,  that  it  may  be  '  quick 
as  the  apple  of  an  eye,'  the  slightest  touch  of  sin  to  feel. 


116 


LIFE  OF  THE 


I  praise  thee  for  the  comfort  lately  experienced  both  in 
my  soul  and  body." 

"  At  Bro.  M.  M.  Langhorne 's,  Feb.  4th. — My  mind  not 
so  comfortable  as  usual ;  but,  bless  the  Lord,  I  have  no 
reason  to  complain.  I  will  triumph  in  the  God  of  my  sal- 
vation. Keep  me  this  day  from  danger  and  accident,  both 
soul  and  body,  and  may  my  mind  be  stayed  on  thee." 

"  Wednesday  morning. — At  Bro.  B.  Bransford's.  I  bless 
Thee  for  what  I  do  enjoy ;  for  preserving  grace  yesterday." 

"  At  Bro.  Maxy's,  Feb.  6th. — *  *  *  Received  some  com- 
fort ;  fear  I  have  had  a  disposition  to  think  more  highly 
of  myself  than  I  ought  to  think — to  speak  as  though  the 
grace  I  feel  were  my  own.  0  my  God,  save  me  from  this 
and  every  other  snare.  Let  no  iniquity  have  dominion 
over  me.  I  would  here  devote  my  body,  spirit,  will,  judg- 
ment, memory,  affections,  all  that  I  have  and  am,  to  thee, 
Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit." 

"Friday,  Feb.  7th. — At  Bro.  Allison's,  Richmond.  My 
mind  not  at  all  in  its  usual  frame;  though,  blessed  be 
God,  the  tempest  is  in  some  measure  calmed.  Yesterday 
I  was  more  severely  beset  than  for  many  days  before.  O 
my  Lord,  if  I  have  neglected  duty,  or  committed  sin  that 
has  been  the  occasion  of  the  enemy's  being  let  loose  against 
me,  or  if  it  be  for  my  further  trial  and  purification,  Lord 
help  me  to  profit  by  it." 

"  Saturday,  Feb.  8th. — Still  in  Richmond.  Prayed  and 
read  my  Bible  for  more  than  an  hour,  though  dull  and 
heavy  enough.  Lord  Jesus,  save  me,  or  I  perish.  Thou 
wast  merciful  to  me  during  the  day.  Oh  !  receive  my 
thanks;  pity  and  save  me  even  to  the  uttermost." 

Saturday,  he  rode  from  Richmond  to  Petersburg,  where 
we  find  him  writing — "  Sunday  morning,  Feb.  9th. — At 
Bro.  T.  Branch's.  Was  very  dull  in  my  morning  devo- 
tions; but  the  Lord  infused  some  life  towards  the  last. 

0  Jesus,  save  me,  for  I  cannot  save  myself.    I  feel  that 

1  am  bruised  and  mangled.  I  now  think,  indeed,  I  see 
clearly,  that  I  wandered  out  of  the  way  in  coming  by  Rich- 
mond. The  Lord  seemed  to  point  out  to  my  mind,  that 
through  Prince  Edward  county  was  my  course.  [This  was 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


117 


bis  more  direct  course  from  Lynchburg  to  Raleigh.]  Oh !  do 
thou  forgive  me,  and  grant  me  grace  to  be  more  attentive 
and  obedient  to  the  voice  of  thy  Spirit." 

"Feb.  10th.— Still  at  Bro.  Branch's.—*  *  *  O  Lord, 
grant  me  the  blessing  of  a  clean  heart ;  save  me  from  my 
corruption,  and  hourly  give  me  the  testimony  that  I  please 
thee." 

"At  Bro.  Lsam  Hargrove's,  Feb.  11th. — *  *  *  I  acknow- 
ledge myself  to  be  the  most  unfaithful  and  ungrateful ;  yet 
thou  dost  condescend  to  bear  with  me  and  to  give  me  peace. 
Lord,  lay  not  my  former  sins  to  my  charge ;  but  do  thou 
establish  with  me  the  covenant  new.  Without  thee,  I  am 
wretched;  with  thee,  all  is  calmness,  and  joy,  and  peace. 
Help  me  that  I  may  '  walk  worthy  of  the  Lord,  unto  all 
pleasing,'  and  be  filled  with  the  fruits  of  righteousness 
which  are  by  Jesus  Christ." 

"  At  Bro.  Doyle  s,  Brunswielc  county,  Va.,  Feb.  12th. — 
Rose  after  five.  Father,  forgive  my  slothfulness.  Prayed 
and  read  my  Bible  for  an  hour.  Not  the  fulness  of  com- 
fort that  I  desire.  O  God,  help  me  to  shake  myself  from 
the  dust ;  help  me  to  awake  and  keep  awake." 

"  At  Bro.  Wilkinson's,  Brunswick,  Feb.  13th. — Rose  after 
five.  Father,  forgive  my  sloth.  My  soul  comparatively 
lifeless ;  yet  thou,  0  Lord,  canst  diffuse  the  quickening 
principle.  I  likewise  indulged  in  irregular  quickness  this 
morning.  O  my  God,  forgive  me,  and  save  me  for  the 
time  to  come,  through  Jesus.  May  I  see  that  every  thing 
is  sent,  or  wisely  suffered,  to  give  us  an  opportunity  of 
embracing  thy  will.  Father,  thy  will  be  done ;  may  mine 
be  swallowed  up  therein." 

"At  Sister  Lewis's,  Brunswick,  Feb.  1-lth. — [This  morn- 
ing he  arose  at  his  usual  hour.  He  scarcely  ever  failed 
to  rise  at  four.]  0  Lord,  I  will  bless  thee  for  what  I  do 
feel.  Do  thou  satisfy  me  early  with  thy  mercy,  and  pre- 
serve me  from  the  snares  of  the  wicked  one." 

Mr.  Childs  was  now  visiting  his  old  friends,  and  on  all 
suitable  occasions  he  was  preaching,  exhorting,  and  pray- 
ing with  the  people.  And  yet  he  seems  not  to  have  been 
in  the  full  measure  of  enjoyment  that  he  had  attained  unto 


118 


LIFE  OF  THE 


a  few  weeks  previous.  His  diary  abounds  with  prayers 
for  the  full  restoration  of  Divine  favour,  but  we  deem  it 
unnecessary  to  copy  them. 

"At  Bro.  Mason's,  Brunswick,  Feb.  \lth. — Rose  after 
five.  Lord,  forgive  my  sloth.  I  acknowledge  before  Thee 
my  backslidings,  shortcomings,  and  imperfections.  Do 
Thou  throw  the  veil  of  thy  mercy  over  all." 

Sunday,  Feb.  lGth,  be  was  at  "Sister  Harrison's." 
"Feb.  17th,  at  Bro.  James  Robinson's,  Greenville  Circuit. 
My  mind  in  rather  a  more  peaceful  and  comfortable 
frame,  which  I  pray  the  Lord  may  be  increased  abun- 
dantly." 

"At  Bro.  Geo.  W.  Dei/'s,  Warrenton,  N.  G,  Feb. 
— My  mind  measurably  stayed  on  God.    Oh,  how  great  is 
thy  goodness  to  me  !    0  Lord,  I  confess  my  folly.  Thou 
alone  canst  save  me  from  sin  and  Satan's  power." 

"At  Bro.  King's,  near  Lewisburg,  N.  C.,  Feb.  19/7i. — 
Found  the  presence  of  the  Lord  in  a  measure.  Accept 
my  thanks  for  the  blessings  bestowed  on  me  yesterday  and 
during  the  night  past." 

"At  Mrs.  Whcaton's,  Raleigh,  Feb.  20th.—  Rose  after 
five  to  my  shame  !  Prayed  and  read  my  Bible  for  more 
than  an  hour — felt  a  degree  of  peace  for  which  I  feel 
thankful.  0  Lord,  make  me  more  humble,  and  more 
watchful,  and  more  thankful.  Receive  my  prayers  this 
morning,  and  graciously  make  this  Conference  a  blessing 
to  me." 

All  the  entries  during  the  session  of  the  Conference  are 
pretty  much  alike,  and  relate  almost  exclusively  to  his 
personal  experience,  which  seems  not  to  have  been  as  com- 
fortable as  formerly.  He  complains  of  his  coldness  and 
dullness,  and  offers  up  many  prayers  for  an  increase  of 
^spiritual  joy.  He  seems  always  ready  to  condemn  him- 
self. Near  the  close  of  the  Conference  he  writes  thus  : — 
"  After  going  to  bed  at  twelve,  rose  at  six.  Lord,  do  thou 
forgive  me." 

He  was  reappointed  to  the  Yadkin  district,  now  under 
the  name  of  the  Salisbury  district,  and  at  the  close  of 
the  session  he  returned  immediately  to  Lynchburg,  for  the 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIIXDS. 


119 


purpose  of  consummating  his  matrimonial  engagement 
prior  to  his  going  on  to  his  work.  On  his  way,  we  find 
him  at  Randolph  Macon  College,  on  the  4th  of  March, 
1834,  at  the  inauguration  of  the  Rev.  Stephen  Olin,  D.D., 
as  president  of  the  institution.  His  impressions  of  this 
occasion  will  he  seen  presently,  in  a  letter  which  he  wrote, 
from  the  neighbourhood  of  the  College,  to  Miss  Rives,  to 
whom  he  was  soon  to  be  married.  On  the  7th  of  March 
he  writes  : — "  At  Bro.  Walker's,  Mecklenburg  County, 
Virginia,"  and  on  the  12th  we  find  him  "  at  Mr.  Statum's," 
near  Lynchburg,  where  he  makes  the  following  note  : — 
"Rose  at  five.  Prayed  and  read  my  Bible  for  an  hour. 
But  how  heartless !  Lord,  forgive  me,  and  stir  me  up  to 
double  my  diligence.  Yet  I  thank  thee  for  what  thou 
hast  done  for  me.  Oh,  continue  thy  lovingkindness  to 
those  that  know  thee.  Be  pleased  this  day  to  deliver  me, 
and  defend  me,  and  save  me.  Even  so,  Amen.  Come,  Lord 
Jesus,  to  seal  me  thine.  Open  thy  way  before  me,  and 
save  me  for  thy  name's  sake." 

"At  Bro.  Bcnaugh's,  Lynchburg,  March  \§th. — Rose 
in  the  first  instance  before  four — returned  to  bed,  and 
rose  before  five.  Prayed  and  read  my  Bible  for  more  than 
an  hour,  though  my  head  was  so  much  disordered  there 
was  very  little  connection.  O  Lord,  do  thou  grant  thy 
blessing  upon  the  work  of  my  hands,  especially  upon 
what  I  expect  to  engage  in  this  day,  namely,  to  be  mar- 
ried. Lord  Jesus,  I  ask  thy  presence  amoug  us.  Oh, 
make  one  in  our  midst  at  the  wedding,  and  bless  us  indeed 
and  in  truth." 

We  shall  now  drop  back  in  the  progress  of  this  biogra- 
phy, and  introduce,  in  another  chapter,  the  correspondence 
between  Mr.  Childs  and  Miss  Rives,  to  which  we  have 
several  times  alluded,  and  which  cannot  fail  to  interest 
the  reader.  We  do  this  because  the  letters  written  by 
Mr.  Childs  so  strikingly  exhibit  his  conscientiousness,  his 
firmness  under  a  very  severe  trial,  and  his  purpose  to  do, 
what  he  thought  to  be  the  will  of  God  concerning  him, 
though  it  should  be  at  the  sacrifice  of  all  that  he  held  most 
dear  on  earth. 


120 


LIFE  OF  THE 


CHAPTER  IX. 

CORRESPONDENCE    WITH  MISS    MARTHA    S.  RIVES — HIS 
MARRIAGE. 

Mr.  Childs's  marriage,  embracing  the  circumstances 
connected  with  it,  forms  an  interesting  and  instructive 
chapter  in  his  history. 

In  visiting  the  house  of  Rev.  John  Early,  of  Lynchburg, 
Mr.  Childs  formed  the  acquaintance  of  Miss  Martha  S. 
Rives,  a  sister  of  Mrs.  Early's,  and  at  that  time  an  inmate 
of  Mr.  Early's  family.  As  their  acquaintance  matured, 
and  they  learned  more  and  still  more  of  each  other's  ha- 
bits, opinions,  and  dispositions,  a  strong  Christian  attach- 
ment seems  to  have  grown  up  between  them.  Miss  Rives 
looked  upon  Mr.  Childs  as  a  man  of  extraordinary  piety ; 
and  she  at  first  merely  sought  his  society,  and  cultivated 
his  acquaintance,  for  the  sake  of  availing  herself  of  his 
counsel  and  instruction  as  a  spiritual  guide.  He  it  seems 
had  enjoyed,  and  at  the  time  of  which  we  now  speak,  en- 
joyed the  blessing  of  perfect  love;  or,  what  is  known  as 
sanctification  or  holiness,  in  Methodist  theology.  Miss  Rives 
was  an  earnest  seeker  of  this  attainment  in  grace,  and  was 
therefore  the  more  pleased  with  his  society  and  friendship. 

When  he  was  appointed  presiding  elder  of  the  Yadkin 
district,  and  was  about  to  depart  for  his  field  of  labour, 
which  was  some  distance  from  Lynchburg,  he  proposed  a 
religious  correspondence,  which  was  assented  to  on  her 
part.  This  correspondence  was  confined,  wholly,  at  first, 
to  religious  subjects;  and  the  letters  which  passed  between 
them  were  of  a  highly  spiritual  character.  She  seems  not 
to  have  suspected  that  he  entertained  any  design  whatever 
of  changing  the  character  of  that  correspondence,  by  intro- 
ducing any  other  topic,  until  she  received  a  letter  from  him, 
under  date  June  6th,  1833,  in  which  he  fraukly  made  a 
tender  of  his  hand  in  matrimony. 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


121 


There  is  something  so  characteristic  in  the  letters  which 
he  wrote  on  this  subject  that,  we  doubt  not,  they  will  be 
found  entertaining  and  instructive ;  and  will  at  the  same 
time  more  fully  reveal  the  symmetry  and  proportions  of 
that  adamantine  column  of  conscientiousness  and  consis- 
tency of  character  which  shows  itself  at  every  step  we 
take  in  his  life.  It  admits  of  a  doubt  whether  any  man 
was  ever  more  scrupulous  in  making  every  thing  bend  and 
bow  to  what  he  conceived  to  be  his  duty  to  his  God. 

Greensborough,  Guilford  County,  N.  C. 
June  6th,  1833. 

My  Dear  Sister  Martha  : 

*  *  I  sincerely  pray  that  grace,  mercy  and  peace  may 
abide  with  you  richly ;  and  that  this  letter  may  find  you, 
with  your  affections  placed  on  things  above,  still  pressing  for 
the  goal.  I  think  that  Christ  is  still  the  life  of  my  soul,  and 
that  I  am  following  hard  after  the  full  image  of  God.  Oh  ! 
help  me  by  your  prayers ;  for  I  have  not  attained  to  all 
that  God  has  promised  us  here  below.  Yet,  blessed  be 
his  holy  name  for  the  favours  already  communicated. 

If  I  might  dare  to  do  it,  I  would  tell  you  all  that  is  in 
my  heart.    If  you  will  allow  me  then,  I  will  do  so. 

For  months  I  have  believed  it  would  be  better  for  me 
to  change  my  relation  in  life,  provided  I  could  do  so  for 
the  glory  of  God.  I  have  thought,  perhaps,  that  you  knew 
pretty  well,  from  my  outward  movements,  what  are  my 
views — I  think  they  are  the  same,  to  lead  a  self-denying 
cross-bearing  life  ;  that  I  may  be  fully  prepared  for  glory 
hereafter.  If  I  know  myself,  I  have  no  other  design  be- 
fore me,  than  to  trample  this  world  under  my  feet — to  be 
dead  with  our  Lord  that  I  may  live  with  him — suffer,  that 
I  may  reign.  These  are  my  purposes,  and  could  I  find 
some  one  like-minded,  I  believe  it  would  be  for  the  glory 
of  God  for  me  to  change  my  relation  in  life.  Among  all 
that  I  have  known,  I  have  met  with  not  one,  save  your- 
self, that  I  have  reason  to  believe  would  help  me  forward 
in  the  glorious  work.  Now,  if  you  have  thought  upon  the 
subject — if  you  think  you  can  make  the  sacrifice — if  you 


122 


LIFE  OF  THE 


think  you  are  willing  to  engage,  steadily,  "  in  not  seeking 
your  own,  but  the  things  that  are  Jesus  Christ's/' — and 
there  be  no  impediment  in  the  way,  then  I  offer  you  my 
heart,  my  hand,  my  prayers,  and  every  attention  that  Chris- 
tian love,  or  the  providence  of  God,  may  enable  me  to 
give  you. 

This  matter  I  commit  wholly  to  the  Lord,  and  to  your 
decision.  If  you  say  nay,  I  trust  I  shall  bear  it  through 
grace,  and  still  have  a  true  Christian  affection  for  you, 
such  as  will  lead  me  to  remember  you  several  times  each 
day  at  a  throne  of  grace.  If  you  accede  to  my  proposals, 
and  say  yea,  then  I  hope  to  be  able  to  say  with  the  wise 
man  "  A  good  is  from  the  Lord." 

Perhaps  the  whole  of  the  above  is  what  you  did  not  ex- 
pect, and  may  give  you  offence.  *  *  I  will  add  that  I 
am  quite  poor,  and  have  followed  the  course  pursued  by 
Mr.  Wesley,  in  literally  giving  away  every  thing  over  a 
support.  And  that  you  may  not  be  deceived,  permit  me 
to  give  you  a  case  that  has  occurred  since  I  have  been  on 
this  district,  which  I  hope  you  will  keep.  Being  at  a 
place  where  they  wanted  money  for  building  a  church,  and 
having  but  seven  or  eight  dollars,  five  were  given  for  that 
purpose.  Please  do  not  speak  of  this,  for  it  would  not 
have  fallen  from  my  pen  but  by  way  of  illustration.  I 
wish  you  to  know  all ;  and  I  wish  you  to  make  the  subject 
a  matter  of  prayer,  and  let  me  hear  from  you  at  as  early  a 
period  as  convenient.  I  trust  my  object  is  the  glory  of 
God,  and  our  mutual  spiritual  improvement,  in  time  and 
in  eternity.  If  you  have  reason  to  think  your  soul  would 
be  injured  by  making  a  change,  however  much  I  love  you, 
you  ought  certainly  to  prefer  your  eternal  interests  to  tem- 
poral good.  Oh,  that  God  may  give  us  both  a  right  judg- 
ment in  all  things.  *  *  *  *  We  have  some  good 
times  on  the  district.  Some  have  been  converted  !  "  but 
what  are  they  among  so  many  ?"  Oh  pray  that  more  and 
more  may  be  added  to  the  number.  Let  us  pray  for  the 
peace  of  Jerusalem  ;  "  they  shall  prosper  that  love  thee 
and  be  assured  that  you  have  a  place  in  the  affections, 
Of  yours,  &c.  John  W.  Childs. 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


123 


Under  date  August  1st,  1833,  he  writes  to  Miss  Rives 
in  reply  to  a  letter  from  her  in  which  she  favours  his  pro- 
posal, using  the  following  language. 

"  I  have  endeavoured  to  commit  this  whole  matter  to 
Him,  '  who  points  the  clouds  their  course and  that  you 
should  so  far  favour  me  was  received  as  an  instance  of  good- 
ness from  our  heavenly  Father.  I  loved  you  much,  but  now 
I  love  you  more.  My  prayer  is  that  our  affection  may  be  as 
pure  as  the  morning  dew  drops,-that  Jesus  himself  may  lead 
us  and  guide  us  in  every  step  that  we  take,  and  in  all  may 
we  be  able  to  say,  'Father,  not  my  will  but  thine  be  done.' 

"  Since  writing  my  last,  I  have  again  and  again  thought 
it  was  presumption  in  me  to  address  you,  considering  my 
poverty,  my  many  frailties  and  imperfections.  The  list, 
ray  sister,  is  long,  but  then  my  hope  is,  that  love  on  your 
part  will  cover  the  multitude  of  my  defects,  should  our 
union  be  consummated,  which  I  ardently  pray  may  be  the 
case.  Meantime,  let  ua  live  in  the  spirit  of  sacrifice,  at  the 
feet  of  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 

"  I  think  that  He  whose  eye  seeth  in  secret  knows  that 
my  leading  object  in  our  anticipated  union  is,  that  we  may 
take  sweet  counsel  together,  and,  if  possible,  sink  deeper 
into  God  ;  that  we  may  rise  to  all  the  heights  of  holiness. 
1  feel  the  need  of  such  a  friend.  God  has  said  '  it  is  not 
good  for  man  to  be  alone.' 

u  When  I  reflect  on  the  scantiness  of  means  possessed  by 
me,  unbelief  would  say,  the  undertaking  is  wild  ;  but  then 
I  reflect  that  '  purple  and  fine  linen'  cannot  make  the  soul 
happy — that  '  to  cheapen  life'  is  the  way  '  to  abate  the 
fear  of  death and  I  rejoice  in  the  prospect  of  having 
one  that  will  help  me  to  prove,  that  '  this  is  the  victory 
that  overcometh  the  world,  even  our  faith.'  Then  again, 
our  Father  hath  said,  'the  world  is  mine,  and  the  ful- 
ness thereof,'  '  the  young  lions  do  lack  and  suffer  hunger, 
but  they  that  fear  the  Lord  shall  not  want  any  good  thing.' 

"  I  hope  the  cloud,  if  no  larger  than  a  man's  hand,  is  begin- 
ning to  rise  and  spread  along  the  sky,  and  drops  are  fall- 
ing. May  there  be  a  plentiful  shower.  We  have  had 
two  camp-meetings  on  the  district — good  order  at  each. 


124 


LIFE  OF  THE 


About  eighty  converted  to  God  ;  many  of  whom,  I  think, 
will  be  useful.  There  will  be  a  continuance  of  these 
meetings  till  the  last  of  October.  '  Who  is  sufficient  for 
these  things  V    If  the  Lord  do  not  uphold,  I  fall." 

It  will  be  seen  from  the  foregoing  letters  that  the  ser- 
'vice  of  God  was  foremost  with  him,  even  in  conducting  a 
correspondence  on  the  subject  of  matrimony.  Nothing 
was  permitted  to  occupy  his  attention  to  the  exclusion  of 
Christ,  and  his  cause. 

"We  shall  just  here  introduce  a  letter  which  he  addressed 
to  Mrs.  Early,  the  sister  of  Miss  Rives,  as  it  refers,  inci- 
dentally, to  the  subject  of  his  correspondence  with  Miss 
Rives,  and  as  it  exhibits  in  a  striking  light  the  exercises 
of  his  mind  at  the  time  of  which  we  are  now  writing. 

Yadkin  District,  Guilford  Circuit,  August  9th,  1833. 

Dear  Sister  : — I  sincerely  hope  this  will  find  you  and 
yours  well,  and  striving  for  the  imperishable  riches.  Let 
us  not  rest  satisfied  without  the  "  great  salvation" — even 
a  deliverance  from  the  slavery  of  "this  evil  world." 
What  a  conflict  is  this !  What  more  than  Herculean 
strength  is  necessary  !  Oh  !  I  feel  that  I  am  unequal  to 
the  task ;  but  in  the  strength  of  Jesus  the  battle  shall  be 
won — the  victory  ours. 

I  see  no  other  way  to  heaven  than  the  one  marked  out 
by  Christ — "  deny  thyself — take  up  thy  cross  and  follow 
me."  These  originally  were  the  terms,  and  unalterable 
must  they  remain.  How  beautiful  are  dear  old  Bishop 
Asbury's  thoughts  on  them.  He  first  notices  the  harmony 
between  the  three  evangelists  on  this  subject — Matthew, 
Mark,  and  Luke.  Our  Lord  gave  the  clusters  of  the  pro- 
mised land  in  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount.  Before  he  pub- 
lished these  terms  he  had  given  unequivocal  proofs  of  his 
power  and  godhead.  Oh  !  sister  E.,  have  we  not  had 
many  evidences  of  his  divinity  ?  We  have  been  striving 
to  follow  him  for  several  years.  What  harm  did  he  ever 
do  us  ?  What  good  has  he  not  done  us  ?  For  my  part 
I  am  so  well  satisfied  with  my  portion,  that  I  am  at  a  loss 
for  words  to  utter  the  memory  of  the  great  goodness  of 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


125 


the  Lord.  "  I  had  rather  be  a  door-keeper  in  the  house 
of  my  God  than  to  dwell  in  the  tents  of  wickedness."  I 
am  ashamed  that  I  move  on  so  slowly — that  I  am  so  tardy 
in  my  motion.  Yet,  oh  !  blessed  be  God,  my  heart  seems 
to  fly  forward  to  meet  my  Saviour.  I  have  lately  enjoyed 
a  greater  sweetness  in  my  soul,  in  trying  to  dispense  the 
word  of  life,  than  usual;  but  I  fear  not  much  good  done — 
this  must  be  left  with  my  Maker. 

If  your  body  is  still  afflicted,  the  best  way  to  get  com- 
fort is  to  be  willing  to  bear  it  as  long  as  your  heavenly 
Father  sees  fit  to  lay  it  on  you.  Believe  me,  "  afflictions 
are  blessings  in  disguise ;"  and  how  consoling  the  thought, 
that  "  He,  for  our  profit,"  afflicts  us,  "that  we  may  be  par- 
takers of  his  holiness."  Our  Lord  "was  made  perfect 
through  suffering."  Perhaps  I  am  mistaken, — but  for  a 
long  time  the  thought  of  afflictions  and  death,  with  a  view 
of  Christ,  brings  pleasing  sensations  to  my  soul.  Not 
that  I  want  to  die.  No  :  but  there  is  a  sweet  pleasure  in 
having  the  will  of  the  Lord  done  by  us,  and  in  us.  Oh  ! 
that  we  all  may  "  be  found  to  the  praise  of  the  glory 
of  his  grace."    Let  our  language  be — 

"  Give  me  a  soul  inured  to  pain, 
To  hardship,  grief,  and  loss  ; 
Bold  to  take  up,  firm  to  sustain 
The  consecrated  cross." 

This  seems  to  have  been  the  point  aimed  at  by  Mr.  Fletcher. 
Let  us  imitate  his  example. 

You  have  no  doubt  before  this  heard  of  my  strange  pro- 
posal to  your  sister.  ******  j  confess  that  it  over- 
flows my  heart  with  gratitude  to  my  heavenly  Father,  that 
my  suit  should  thus  far  meet  with  success — it  is  more  than 
I  deserve.  I  trust  I  have  a  good  conscience  in  taking 
this  step;  though  the  poverty  of  my  condition,  &c,  might 
be  an  insuperable  barrier. 

I  long  to  hear  from  you,  to  know  how  you  are  progress- 
ing in  the  divine  life — how  your  dear  Christian  friends  are 

doing — the  children  ?     Does  M          yet  profess  ?  and 

the  servant  that  was  seeking  ?  Oh  !  I  see  broad  eternity 
just  before  me ;  and  I  see  the  necessity  of  making  all  our 


126 


LIFE  OF  THE 


arrangements  in  full  view  of  boundless  eternity!  Ke- 
member  me  to  all  the  Christian  friends,  and  say  to  them, 
"Watch,  stand  fast,  be  strong,  quit  yourselves  well." 
This  was  written  amid  the  bustle  of  a  camp-ground.  O 
sister,  let  us  be  instant  in  prayer,  and  watch  in  the  same 
with  all  perseverance. 

Sincerely  and  affectionately  yours  in  Christ, 

John  Wesley  Childs. 

August  15th. 

P.  S.  The  camp-meeting  closed  this  morning.  We 
suppose  one  hundred, and  seventy-five  persons  professed 
religion.  What  hath  God  wrought !  May  his  name  be 
honoured  and  praised ;  and  may  all  the  glory  be  given  to 
the  Father,  Son,  and  Spirit.  J.  W.  C. 

It  seems  that  difficulties  arose,  which  began  seriously 
to  threaten  a  dissolution  of  the  matrimonial  engagement 
to  which  this  correspondence  relates.  From  some  quarter, 
the  impression  was  made  upon  the  mind  of  Miss  Hives 
that  a  consummation  of  the  engagement  would  subject  her 
to  privations  and  hardships  that  she  could  not  endure.  It 
was  thought  by  her  advisers  that  it  would  be  better  to  dis- 
solve the  engagement,  than  to  consummate  it,  when  by  so 
doing  she  would  probably  expose  herself  to  trials  for 
which  she  was  not  prepared,  and  possibly  embarrass  him — 
with  his  peculiar  conscientious  scruples — in  the  prosecution 
of  the  work  of  the  ministry.  He  was  apprized  of  the  state 
of  her  mind  in  reference  to  this  subject,  and  it  was  to  him 
a  source  of  extreme  anxiety;  and  yet  he  did  not  swerve 
from  his  purpose.  He  remained  firm  and  unshaken  amid 
the  conflict.  In  this  state  of  mind  he  wrote  again  to  the 
lady  to  whom  the  foregoing  letter  was  addressed ;  and  al- 
though the  letter  is  long,  we  give  it  entire,  as  it  contains 
a  sort  of  transcript  of  his  mental  and  religious  exercises  at 
the  time  to  which  it  relates. 

Yadkiu  District,  Virginia  Conferonce,  Sept.  26th,  1833. 

My  Dear  Sister  : — Your  letter  of  the  28th  ultimo 
was  received  last  night,  and  I  am  much  pleased  to  learn 
that  you  remember  so  unworthy  a  brother ;  for  I  assure 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


127 


you,  I  am  ready  to  conclude  myself  the  least  of  all,  and 
should  be  srrvant  of  all.  I  fear  you,  and  your  dear  sister 
Martha,  think  more  highly  of  me,  in  a  religious  point  of 
view,  than  I  deserve ;  and  I  have  been  thinking  perhaps 
this,  in  part,  has  grown  out  of  a  quotation  made  by  me 
from  Benson's  Sermons,  in  one  of  my  letters  to  her — 

"'Tis  done  at  last — the  great  deciding  point — 
The  world  subdued,  and  Thou  hast  all  my  heart." 

These  words  are  not  exactly  applicable  to  my  own  state. 
I  fully  believe  in  the  possibility,  and  have  enjoyed  that  state, 
for  several  months,  I  think,  at  a  time ;  but  know,  at  pre- 
sent, that  the  fulness  is  not  enjoyed  by  me.  I  think  I 
know  the  cause.  Oh  the  cross  !  the  consecrated  cross  ! 
There  is  a  shrinking  when  that  is  presented ;  the  conse- 
quence is  a  want  of  "  the  fulness  of  the  purchased  posses- 
sion." Notwithstanding  this,  I  think,  in  general,  the  fear 
of  death  has  been  nearly  destroyed  for  more  than  three 
years.  My  foundation,  however,  sometimes  is  this  :  "  He 
will  finish  tBe  work,  and  cut  it  short  in  righteousness." 
But  it  takes  all  the  strength  I  have,  at  present,  to  pre- 
serve this.  Yet  there  is  a  better  state — "  a  kingdom  that 
cannot  be  moved."  How  shall  we  gain  possession  of 
it  ?  By  "  counting  all  things  but  loss  for  the  excellency 
of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  the  Lord" — "to  know 
him  in  the  power  of  his  resurrection,  and  the  felloicship 
of  his  sufferings,  being  made  conformable  to  his  death." 
I  verily  believe  there  is  no  other  way ;  and  though  the 
foolish  heart,  at  the  instance  of  the  flesh,  and  the  sug- 
gestions of  Satan,  may  try  a  thousand  schemes,  yet  all  will 
prove  delusive.  Oh !  that  cross,  my  sister,  is  an  odious 
thing  to  human  nature  !  Yet  how  delightful,  when  we 
take  it  up  in  the  name  of  Jesus  ! 

Oct.klh.  Since  writing  the  above,  have  attended  a  camp- 
meeting  where  about  sixty  souls  were  converted. 

One  thought  in  your  letter  awakened  in  my  mind  a  num- 
ber of  very  painful  reflections;  namely,  the  objections 
alluded  to.  *****  I  fear  that  my  views  of  bearing  the 
cross  go  farther  than  you,  or  your  dear  sister  Martha  ap- 
prehend.    Oh  !  it  has  been  like  a  sword  piercing  me;  but 


128 


LIFE  OF  THE 


God  has  given  me  comfort.  In  my  first  letter  to  her,  on 
this  important  subject,  I  intended  to  state  the  case  fully, 
and  did,  to  my  own  mind;  but  perhaps  not  to  hers.  I  as- 
sure you  my  views  of  pure  and  undefiled  religion  have  not 
changed  since  our  conversation,  coming  from  the  Bucking- 
.ham  camp-meeting  last  year.  But  let  me  tell  you,  I  have 
been  striving,  honestly,  to  pursue  what  would  be  called  an 
honourable  way,  in  the  eyes  of  the  world,  and  thousands 
of  Christians,  for  the  last  eleven  months  ;  and  find  that 
there  is  no  other  way  for  me  but  the  way  of  the  cross,  of 
reproach,  and  shame.  All  the  liberty  that  I  have  found 
in  preaching,  since  I  have  been  on  this  district,  has  been 
in  full  view  of  this — should  God  call  me  to  walk  and  preach, 
to  be  willing  to  obey  the  heavenly  call.  And  my  heart  at 
this  moment  responds  to  the  sentiment.  Indeed,  let  me 
have  any  other  intention,  and  darkness  and  guilt,  sorrow 
and  trembling,  are  the  consequences.  At  this  moment  I 
am  convinced  the  reason  why  I  am  not  more  holy  is,  be- 
cause, I  do  not  lay  out  all  my  strength  for  God,  and  do  not 
resolutely  trample  the  world  under  my  feet.  I  see  the 
world — comparatively,  the  Christian  world — "lying  in 
wickedness."  I  know  as  a  watchman,  if  I  give  not  warn- 
ing their  blood  will  be  required  at  my  hands.  As  for 
human  praise,  in  the  general,  I  think  I  hate  it;  but  oh  ! 
let  me  have  the  approbation  of  my  God,  and  nothing  can 
move  me.  I  feel  an  earnest  of  it  while  I  write.  "I  see 
from  far  the  beauteous  light."  To  compromise  with  the 
world  and  Satan,  is  what  I  dare  not  do.  Whenever  I  have 
made  the  experiment,  it  has  been  ruinous  to  my  own  peace. 
And  oh  !  I  had  rather  have  the  whole  world  against  me, 
than  my  conscience,  and  my  God  ! 

You  complain  of  comparative  lethargy.  *****  Mr. 
Wesley  says,  "beware  of  Antinomian  books" — touch  not 
the  poison.  I  think  it  not  unlikely  that  the  little  book 
called  the  "Saint's  Pocket  Book,"  contributed  its  share 
towards  this  state  of  mind.  There  are  many  good  things 
in  it,  and  a  number  calculated  to  lull  us  to  sleep.  Depend 
upon  it,  the  way  to  Heaven  is  a  way  of  activity,  and  un- 
wearied continuance  in  well-doing — 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


129 


"  Come,  let  us  anew  our  journey  pursue, 

With  vigour  arise,  and  press  to  a  permanent  place  in  the  skies." 

Let  us  play  our  part  well,  that  our  "yesterdays  may  look 
backwards  with  a  smile,  and  not  wound  us  in  their  flight." 
Thousands,  I  fear,  under  the  garb  of  religion  are  in  quest 
of  dreams.  They  may  be  said  to  seek  anything  rather  than 
"  the  mind  which  was  in  Christ and  at  death's  approach 
they  will  learn  their  folly.  *  *  *  * 

When  I  am  willing  to  bear  the  cross  all  is  joy  and  peace — 
when  I  turn  aside;  all  is  confusion  and  discontent.  Strange 
that  this  foolish  heart  should  go  astray  after  vain  and  fleet- 
ing trifles.  Yet  I  know  there  is  a  remedy,  and  that  remedy 
I  enjoyed  for  five  months  last  year.  Oh  !  the  delightful 
state,  to  be  cleansed  throughout  soul,  body  and  spirit.  I 
have  had  many  changes  in  my  feelings  since  we  conversed 
together  last,  and  have  been  trying  in  every  possible  way 
to  see  if  I  could  not  reconcile  a  little  of  this  world  with 
religion  ;  but  find  it  a  vain  attempt:  He  requires  truth  in 
the  inward  parts.  Nothing  short  of  the  soul's  being  puri- 
fied will  make  us  really  happy.  My  mind  says,  "  O  God, 
my  heart  is  fixed."  What  shall  I  do  to  keep  what  I  now 
feel  ?  God  has  been  very  good  to  me  for  some  days  past, 
in  giving  me  spiritual  liberty.  I  know  he  is  ever  willing 
to  give,  and  upbraid  me  not.*  *  *  Ease,  ease,  sister  E.  is 
slaying  its  thousands  of  Christians  !  Let  us  shake  ourselves 
from  the  dust,  and  stand  "  perfect  and  complete  in  all  the 
will  of  God." 

May  the  Author  of  good  be  with  you  and  yours — may 
light  shine  upon  your  tabernacle ;  and  believe  me  to  be 
sincerely  your  brother  in  Christ. 

John  W.  Childs. 
The  above  letter  bears  the  marks  of  honesty  and  integ- 
rity of  purpose;  and  every  one  will  be  constrained  to  admit, 
that,  if  Mr.  Childs  was  in  error  in  his  views  of  religion  ; 
and,  especially,  in  relation  to  what  he  conceived  to  be  his 
peculiar  duty,  he  was  nevertheless  extremely  sincere  and 
conscientious  in  his  opinions.  lie  was  aware  that  the  sen- 
timents which  he  held  would  probably  hazard  the  con- 
tinuance of  his  matrimonial  engagement.    But  the  appro- 


130 


LIFE  OF  THE 


bation  of  his  God,  and  of  a  good  conscience  were  too  highly 
prized  by  him  to  be  given  up  for  the  attainment  of  any 
temporal  end.  He  would  rather  be  despised  and  rejected 
of  men,  as  was  his  master,  than  to  forfeit  the  approval  of 
his  own  conscience  in  the  sight  of  God.  And  in  all  this, 
what  docility,  and  humility  does  he  display  !  He  does  not 
take  his  position  in  stubbornness,  or  in  anger,  or  resentment; 
but  in  meekness  ;  and  because  he  feels  that  his  salvation 
is  deeply  involved  in  the  question  at  issue.  Who  can  tell 
what  struggles  he  had  in  his  own  mind !  What  a  contest  with 
the  flesh  and  the  devil !  We  are  in  fact  compelled  to 
look  upon  him  as  displaying  more  true  heroism  in  main- 
taining his  position  under  such  a  trial,  than  is  displayed 
by  the  conqueror  in  taking  a  city. 

Mr.  Childs  was  not  long  kept  in  a  state  of  suspense  as 
to  the  result  of  the- difficulties  which  had  been  presented 
to  the  mind  of  his  betrothed.  About  the  middle  of  Oc- 
tober he  received  a  letter  from  her,  proposing  to  dismiss 
the  whole  subject  from  further  consideration.  To  this  he 
replied  as  follows : 

Davidson  Circuit,  Yadkin  District,  Va.  Conference, 

October  23d,  1833. 

My  Dear  Sister  Martha  : — Your  esteemed  and  af- 
fectionate favour  of  the  9th  inst.  came  to  hand  readily,  and 
found  me  attending  a  camp-meeting  near  Greensborough. 
I  have  held  one  other  since  in  the  same  county;  and  am 
now  in  Davidson,  expecting  to  commence  one  on  Friday 
next.  We  had  unusually  bad  weather  at  the  last,  and  con- 
sequently not  much  good  done.  However,  we  must  sow 
our  seed,  not  knowing  which  shall  prosper,  and  commit  all 
to  him  "  who  points  the  clouds  their  course." 

I  have  read  what  you  have  written  in  your  last  over  and 
over,  and  over  again ;  and  am  constrained  to  say  it  exalts 
you  in  my  estimation ;  but  at  the  same  time  feel  that  I 
should  be  doing  you  injustice  if  I  were  to  conceal  from  you 
my — as  I  believe — honest  views.  I  will  therefore  be  al- 
lowed to  say  that,  in  making  my  proposal,  I  never  had  any 
thought  in  my  mind  that  you  should  walk ;  nor  do  I  now 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


131 


have  any  scruple  upon  my  own  mind,  on  the  subject,  when 
there  is  a  necessity  for  travelling  in  a  different  way.  But 
in  my  ordinary  appointments  I  am  persuaded  that  it  would 
be  better  for  me  to  walk  ;  and  am  of  the  opinion  that  1  am 
in  the  general,  fully  able  to  do  so. 

If  I  have  any  commission  to  preach  at  all,  it  is  to  the 
poor;  and  I  am  very  sensible  that  I  shall  be  able  to  give 
them  many  proofs  of  the  honesty  of  my  intentions  in  that 
way,  that  I  could  not  so  long  as  I  go  in  what  my  conscience 
tells  me  is  an  honourable  way. 

Besides,  I  am  seeking  lowliness  of  heart ;  and  my  ex- 
perience, as  well  as  reason  and  Scripture,  tell  me  that  is 
the  way  to  find  it.  Jesus  himself  walked — the  apostles 
walked,  and  oh  !  shall  I  not  esteem  it  a  favour  to  tread  in 
their  steps.  Indeed,  I  feel  myself  unworthy  to  imitate 
such  bright  examples ;  but  yet  there  is  a  secret  voice  that 
whispers  in  my  ears,  "  this  is  the  way,"  and  though  un- 
worthy, I  hope  that  God  will  accept  the  sacrifice.  My  ex- 
perience assures  me  that  it  is  the  better  way  for  the  soul. 

It  would  be  nothing  for  me  to  tell  you  that  I  think  more 
highly  of  you  than  any  of  your  sex ;  for  this  is  what  you 
have  a  right  to  believe  from  what  has  already  taken  place. 
But  then  I  must  tell  you,  in  the  language  of  David,  "my 
soul  is  even  as  a  weaned  child ;"  and  I  really  do  prefer 
the  voice  of  God  and  conscience,  to  all  other  earthly  con- 
siderations. If,  therefore,  the  word  has  gone  forth  out  of 
your  lips,  it  must  be  so  ;  and  I  will  endeavour  to  pray  for 
you,  and  as  far  as  I  have  it  in  my  power,  to  help  you  on 
to  heaven. 

If  I  have  wronged  you,  or  caused  you  one  moment's 
pain,  on  my  knees  I  beg  your  forgiveness ;  and  be  well 
assured  I  have  not  lost  confidence  in  you,  but  rather  have 
it  heightened.  But  perhaps  it  is  for  the  best,  and  what 
we  know  not  now,  (in  the  present  world,)  we  shall  know 
hereafter,  (in  the  eternal.) 

I  have  this  morning  read  Mr.  Wesley's  sermon  on  the 
"  Devices  of  Satan" — have  read  it  before.  I  am  pleased 
with  it,  but  do  not  think  it  applicable  to  my  case  ;  for  in 
all  my  exercises  I  do  not  lose  confidence  in  my  God.  I 


132 


LIFE  OF  THE 


know  generally,  I  have  love,  joy,  and  peace.  These  are 
the  fruits  of  the  kingdom.  What  I  am  deficient  in,  is  a 
fulness  of  these,  and  the  higher  branches  of  the  kingdom, 
as  described  in  Galatians,  namely — long-suffering,  gentle- 
ness, goodness,  fidelity,  meekness,  temperance,  &c. 
Though,  blessed  be  God,  for  what  I  do  feel  of  even  these. 
I  know  there  is  such  a  thing  as  perfect  love  ;  and  I  know 
when  the  soul  is  in  possession  of  it,  there  is  a  conscious- 
ness of  it.  .It  is  "the  kingdom  that  cannot  be  moved," 
mentioned  in  the  12th  of  Hebrews.  I  think  I  hold  fast. 
"  Other  foundation  can  no  man  lay  than  that  is  laid." 
This  is  my  rejoicing,  "  not  by  works  of  righteousness,"  &c. 
But  then  I  want  to  witness  that  "the  blood  of  the  ever- 
lasting covenant"  has  made  me  "perfect  in  every  good 
work  to  do  his  will."  God  is  willing,  and  I  know  if  the 
work  is  not  accomplished  the  fault  is  in  me. 

We  have  had,  I  think,  between  eleven  and  twelve  hun- 
dred converted  on  this  district,  the  present  year.  Blessed 
be  God.  I  see  an  awful  want  of  conformity  to  the  image 
of  Christ  among  Christians  generally.  Oh  !  may  we  be 
such  as  he  would  have  us  be — let  us  be  "  found  of  him  in 
peace,  without  spot  and  blameless."  I  rejoice  in  the  pros- 
pect of  being  more  holy,  humble,  and  heavenly-minded. 
I  long  to  experience  all  his  name,  and  have  yearning 
bowels  of  pity  for  all  mankind.  May  we  grow  in  grace 
yet  more  and  more.  I  want  to  be  dead  to  the  world,  and 
feel  that  I  am  crucified  with  Christ.  May  the  head  of  the 
church  be  your  head.  Affectionately  yours, 

John  W.  Childs. 

The  difficulties  referred  to,  which  led  Miss  Rives  to  pro- 
pose a  dissolution  of  the  existing  engagement,  had  been 
removed  from  her  mind  before  she  received  the  letter 
which  we  have  just  spread  before  the  reader.  These  diffi- 
culties, it  will  be  seen,  had  grown  out  of  a  misapprehension 
of  the  extentto  which  he  carried  his  views  in  relation  to  the 
manner  in  which  he  felt  it  to  be  his  duty  to  bear  his  mes- 
sage to  sinners.  She  had  frankly  stated  her  objections  to 
his  walking  and  preaching ;  and  supposing  that  he  carried 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


133 


those  views  to  such  an  extent  as  might  subject  her  to 
great  personal  inconvenience,  in  the  event  of  their  mar- 
riage, she  had  remonstrated  with  him ;  and  more  than  in- 
timated that,  unless  his  views  on  this  subject  were  modi- 
fied, it  might  prove  a  barrier  to  their  union.  As  soon, 
however,  as  her  mind  was  disabused  of  the  erroneous  im- 
pressions which  she  had  received  on  this  subject,  she  re- 
voked the  decision  by  which  the  engagement  was  dissolved ; 
and  this  she  did  before  the  receipt  of  his  letter  of  23d 
October.  On  the  reception  of  her  letter,  he  writes  as 
follows  : — 

Greensborough,  N.  C,  January  1st,  1834. 

My  Dear  Sister  Martha  : — Your  welcome  favour  was 
not  received  by  me  until  this  day ;  and  I  have  now  rode 
thirty  miles  out  of  my  way  to  get  it.*  I  therefore  hasten 
to  reply,  lest  you  charge  me  with  neglect.  I  am  truly 
sorry  you  have  been  left  in  a  state  of  suspense  so  long. 
Perhaps  it  will  try  all  your  patience. 

I  feel  comforted  in  the  course  you  have  taken,  and  think 
I  see  the  hand  of  God  evidently  in  all.  Say,  in  the  first 
place,  in  trying  us  both,  as  he  did  Abraham  of  old. 
Secondly,  we  have  had  a  mutual  proof  of  our  affection  for 
each  other  and  for  God.  Thirdly,  I  can  say  with  truth,  I 
trust  that  I  have  learned  to  live  more  by  faith  since  I  last 
wrote  you,  than  ever  before.  Have  enjoyed,  and  do  enjoy, 
more  mental  quiet,  more  uninterrupted  communion  with 
God,  and  have  found  more  rest  in  my  spirit,  than  in  all 
my  life, — feel  more  like  making  "  full  proof  of  my  min- 
istry." Outward  things  are  more  sensibly  sanctified  to  me. 
In  a  word,  I  think  I  love  God  with  all  my  heart.  Oh  !  my 
dear  sister,  I  long  to  communicate  my  transports  to  all  the 
world.  I  have  lately  had  such  sweetness  and  liberty  in 
preaching,  as  I  have  long  prayed  for,  but  never  found.  I  * 
feel,  too,  this  is  but  a  drop  of  what  my  heavenly  Father  has 
in  store  for  me.  If  I  shall  only  be  faithful,  "  grace  shall 
reign  through  righteousness  unto  eternal  life."  The  Lord 
has  indeed  given  me  "  good  measure,  heaped  up,  shaken 


*  It  Lad  lain  several  weeks  iu  the  Past  Office. 
12 


134 


LIFE  OF  THE 


together,  and  running  over ;"  and  all  I  am  concerned  about 
is,  bow  I  shall  guard  the  sacred  treasure  ?  Will  you  not 
think  that  I  magnify  ?  I  certainly  do,  and  have  enjoyed 
more  comfort  in  my  soul,  from  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
Spirit,  within  the  last  month,  than  ever,  within  the  same 
space  of  time  in  my  life.  How  often  have  I  said  with 
Jacob,  "  if  the  Lord  will  but  keep  me  in  the  way  that  I 
go,"  &c.  At  other  times  I  have  thought,  perhaps  I  am 
taken  up,  like  our  Lord,  upon  a  high  mountain.  However 
this  may  be,  I  feel  a  spirit,  nearly  always,  to  pray,  rejoice, 
and  give  thanks.  I  feel  a  heart  to  pray  for,  and  pity  poor 
sinners  ;  and  an  ardent  desire  to  communicate  some  spirit- 
ual gift  to  believers  to  the  end  that  they  may  be  esta- 
blished. Oh,  sister!  how  desirable  to  "be  led  by  the 
Spirit."  May  our  heavenly  Father  keep  us  both  in  the 
way  he  would  have  us  go.    Even  so,  Amen. 

You  say  I  mentioned  nothing  about  visiting  Lynch- 
burg. I  will  frankly  tell  you  the  reason.  As  matters 
stood,  I  was  afraid  to  trust  myself.  Here,  at  a  distance, 
reason  and  revelation  sat  on  the  throne ;  but,  if  there,  I 
thought  affection  might  overcome  my  judgment.  And 
even  now,  I  sometimes  think,  if  you  knew  how  little  I 
think  of  this  world's  goods,  you  would  scarcely  be  willing 
to  put  yourself  under  the  care  of  one  so  improvident.  I 
still  literally  give  away  nearly  every  thing,  and  refuse 
money  from  various  quarters,  when  it  is  offered  me.  Yet 
I  have  no  more  doubt  of  heavenly  protection  than  of  my 
own  existence.  Oh !  the  sweet  lesson  taught  us  by  our 
Lord  in  the  sixth  chapter  of  Matthew.  *  *  *  * 

My  appointments  will  not  allow  me  to  visit  Lynch- 
burg before  the  last  of  the  month.  If  you  have  no  objec- 
tion, I  should  prefer  our  union's  being  solemnized  in  the 
church. 

I  fear  this  letter  may  appear  too  highly  coloured; 
but  I  think  I  have  endeavoured  to  write  you  simply  the 
thoughts  and  state  of  my  heart.  I  love  my  God  through 
Jesus  Christ,  and  love  you,  and  all  mankind.  I  think 
my  affection  is  sincere.  Oh  !  let  us  in  every  step  we  take, 
follow  our  blessed  Saviour,  and  the  wise  and  pious  who 


REV.  JOIIN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


135 


have  gone  before.  Meantime,  let  us  love  and  pray  for  the 
church,  and  for  the  world.  May  the  Lord  give  us  peace, 
and  truth,  and  the  blessings  of  his  goodness. 

Adieu  in  Jesus. 

John  Wesley  Childs. 

The  next  letter  was  written  after  Mr.  Childs  had  visited 
Lynchburg,  and  while  he  was  on  his  way  from  Richmond 
to  Raleigh.  The  letter  is  principally  interesting,  as  it 
gives  an  account  of  his  labours  and  exercises  of  mind 
during  his  trip,  of  which  we  have  seen  something  in  his 
diary. 

Dinwiddie  county,  Va.,  February  10th,  1834. 

My  Dear  Sister  Martha  : — After  leaving  you  I  was 
overtaken,  first  by  the  rain  j  secondly,  by  the  snow.  Found 
the  friends  generally  well  in  Buckingham.  Preached  to 
a  handful  of  coloured  and  white  on  Sunday,  and  the  power 
of  God  seemed  to  be  very  manifest,  both  to  awaken  and 
to  comfort.  Directed  my  course  on  towards  Richmond, 
in  opposition  to  much  solicitation  to  "  stay  and  preach  for 
us ;"  and  believe  now  I  did  wrong.  For  first,  it  was 
deep  and  heavy  travelling ;  secondly,  it  fatigued  me  more, 
I  believe,  than  I  have  been  for  twelve  months ;  thirdly, 
ray  soul  got  into  quite  an  uncomfortable  frame,  and  seemed 
to  be  sick  and  sore.  Indeed,  I  have  no  doubt  that  I  wan- 
dered out  of  the  order  of  Providence,  for  I  did  not  reach 
Richmond  until  Thursday  last,  and  found  there  was  no 
appointment  for  preaching,  though  it  was  the  regular 
preaching  night.  My  friends  were  glad  to  see  me.  They 
desired  me  to  stay  with  them  over  Sabbath ;  but  as  I  did 
not  like  to  be  so  far  from  the  seat  of  Conference  at  so  late 
a  period,  I  set  off  for  Petersburg,  where  I  arrived  in  the 
evening,  and  put  up  at  the  house  of  Bro.  Thos.  Branch, 
a  devoted  and  praying  Christian.  *  *  *  *  Preached  for 
them  on  Sabbath  morning;  and  unfaithful,  and  unworthy 
as  I  am,  believe  the  Lord  accompanied  it  with  power. 
Preached  to  the  coloured  people  in  the  afternoon,  and 
was  desired  to  assist  again  at  night ;  but  the  rain  coming 
on,  we  turned  it  into  a  prayer  meeting. 


136 


LIFE  OF  THE 


I  am  now  on  my  way  to  Brunswick,  where  I  have 
several  appointments  for  this  week,  if  the  notices  have 
been  given.  My  soul  begins  to  feel  better,  though  my 
body  has  been  somewhat  afflicted  to-day.  May  his  will 
be  done  by  us,  in  us,  and  through  us.  *  *  * 

"  Let  us  go  on  to  perfection"  in  love,  in  patience,  in 
resignation,  in  doing  and  suffering  all  the  will  of  God. 
****** 

Sincerely  and  affectionately  yours, 

John  W.  Childs. 

His  next  letter  was  written  from  Raleigh,  N.  C,  during 
the  session  of  the  Conference,  and  is  dated  February  26th, 
1834.  It  contains  nothing  of  special  interest  to  the  pub- 
lic. He  says,  "  the  time  you  mention,  March  13th,  for 
our  marriage,  seems  to  be  the  most  convenient  that  could 
be  fixed  upon ;  and  the  arrangement  to  have  it  at  Bro. 
Early's  instead  of  the  church,  is  perfectly  satisfactory. 
You  know  my  object  in  first  naming  the  church,  and  as 
we  have  reason  to  believe  that  end  cannot  now  be  secured, 
of  course  the  arrangement  falls  to  the  ground.  Only  let 
us  have  the  glory  of  God  in  view,  and  aim  singly  at  this, 
and  all  shall  be  well."  "  Through  grace,"  he  adds,  "  I 
possess  my  soul  in  peace;  though,  at  present,  I  enjoy  not 
the  fulness.  I  see  a  great  want  of  scriptural  holiness ; 
and  fear  I  am  too  much  of  a  coward  to  show  myself  a  man 
for  God.  How  much  I  need  your  prayers,  that  I  may 
learn  the  happy  art,  '  with  meekness  to  reprove.'  A  few 
of  our  brethren  are  all  alive,  for  which  I  praise  the  Lord  ; 
but  how  few,  compared  to  the  great  body  !" 

The  last  letter  written  by  Mr.  Childs  to  Miss  Rives  be- 
fore their  marriage,  was  written  while  on  his  way  from 
Raleigh  to  Lynchburg,  while  attending  the  exercises  con- 
nected with  the  Inauguration  of  Rev.  Stephen  Olin,  D.  D., 
as  President  of  Randolph  Macon  College.  And  as  it  con- 
tains several  points  of  interest,  and  is  especially  charac- 
teristic, we  will  give  it  nearly  entire.  That  it  is  slightly 
tinged  with  apparent  censoriousness  will  probably  strike 
the  mind  of  the  reader;  but  it  is  our  business  to  present 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


137 


a  faithful  portraiture  of  the  man,  as  nearly  as  we  can, 
drawn  by  his  own  hand. 

Mecklenburg  County,  Va.,  March  6th,  1834. 

My  Dear  Sister  Martha  : — To  relieve  my  mind  a  lit- 
tle from  intense  thought,  I  will  address  you  a  few  lines,  sin- 
cerely hoping  they  may  find  you  well  both  in  soul  and  body, 
and  still  "  pressing  forward  to  the  mark  of  the  prize  of  our 
high  calling  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  our  Lord."  How 
earnestly  do  I  desire  perfection  !  But  where  is  it  to 
be  found  ?  In  the  church  ?  The  glory,  I  fear,  is  wellnigh 
departed.  In  our  modern  books  ?  Only  here  and  there  a 
vestige  is  to  be  found.  I  tremble  for  the  state  of  the 
church  ;  my  heart  within  me  almost  makes  a  noise.  This 
world  !  vanity,  show,  outward  equipage — even  eloquence 
and  learning — good  as  they  are,  when  sanctified  and  wholly 
consecrated  to  God — are  set  up  in  the  place  of  the  grace 
of  God  in  the  soul.  O  my  God,  undertake  thine  own 
cause,  and  subvert  the  whole  works  of  the  devil. 

I  see  more  clearly  than  ever,  if  we  would  have  heaven'' 
we  must  enter  in  at  "  the  strait  gate ;"  and  the  difficulty 
of  doing  this  is  the  greater,  as  there  are  so  many  who  would 
fain  have  you  believe  they  are  entering  in,  or  have  entered, 
who,  nevertheless,  are  walking  in  "  the  broad  way."  O 
Lord,  open  their  eyes.  I  trust,  however,  the  eyes  of  my 
dear  Martha  are  already  opened  to  this  subject.  Let  us 
watch  and  keep  awake.  Perhaps  you  may  say,  I  fear 
"where  no  fear  is."  I  think  I  am  convinced  this  is  not 
the  fact.  At  any  rate,  I  should  be  wonderfully  pleased  to 
find,  in  some  things,  I  am  mistaken.  But  no  :  his  word 
cannot  fail.  It  must  stand  when  heaven  and  earth  shall 
have  "fled  and  gone."  How  dreadful,  then,  to  live  with 
the  means  of  instruction  perfectly  in  our  power,  and  yet 
put  false  glosses  upon  the  plain  word  of  the  living  God ! 
Nature,  fallen  human  nature,  abhors  the  cross.  Let  us 
pray  for  grace  cheerfully  to  embrace  it :  even  so,  Lord 
Jtsus,  give  us  wisdom,  power,  and  grace  to  do  so;  and 
then,  my  experience  assures  me,  we  shall  be  happy. 

It  has  been  suggested  to  me  that  I  should  so  far  conform 


138 


LIFE  OF  THE 


to  the  rules  of  propriety  as  to  get  an  additional  suit  of 
clothes  to  be  married  in.  Time  was  when  this  would  have 
been  exceedingly  plausible ;  but  it  is  past.  That  time,  I 
trust,  "  will  suffice."  I  see  no  good  reason,  either  from 
Scripture  or  common  sense  ;  and  I  have  mistaken  the  bent 
of  your  mind  if  you  require  it.  Oh  !  let  us  be  examples 
to  all  around  us,  worthy  of  imitation ;  and  strive  literally 
to  fulfil  our  Lord's  words  where  he  teaches  "  it  is  better 
to  give  than  to  receive."  The  fewer  our  wants,  the  more 
easily  will  they  be  supplied.  The  above  thoughts  you 
would  do  well  to  keep  tolerably  close,  unless  the  glory  of 
God  or  the  good  of  others  be  the  reason  for  presenting 
them. 

I  feel  that  during  the  time  of  the  Conference,  I  have 
acted  the  part  of  a  poor  coward.  I  have  not  reproved,  re- 
buked, exhorted  "  with  all  long-suffering  and  doctrine." 
Oh !  what  firmness  and  courage  does  it  require  to  be  a 
mouth  for  God.  Nevertheless,  owing  to  my  peculiar  cir- 
cumstances, the  Lord  has  dealt  kindly,  tenderly  with  me. 
I  trust  he  will  heal  me  entirely,  and  give  me  grace  yet  to 
"  war  a  good  warfare,  holding  faith  and  a  good  conscience." 
*  *  *  Shall  we  not  be  a  mutual  help  to  each  other  ?  I 
trust  so.  Let  us  watch,  pray,  and  give  ourselves  up  en- 
tirely to  the  honourable  service  of  our  Maker  through  our 
blessed  Kedeemer.  He  will  guide  us  by  his  counsel,  and 
afterward  receive  us  to  glory. 

I  hear,  in  this  county,  of  the  death  of  several  of  my  old 
friends  and  companions  in  tribulation :  among  them,  old 
Brother  Stephen  Dance.  He  was  a  saint  indeed.  I  fear  he 
has  left  but  few  like  him  behind  for  solid  piety.  May  our 
God  raise  up  a  host  to  people  the  church  and  the  world. 
.  Yesterday,  I  heard  President  Olin's  inaugural  address. 
It  was  good ;  but  I  sincerely  fear  God  is  not  sufficiently 
acknowledged  in  that  place.  It  seems  to  me  that  there  is 
a  show  of  religion  hanging  about  many — a  vain  attempt 
to  hang  flowers  about  the  bitter  truths  of  the  Gospel,  to 
suit  them  to  the  relish  of  the  half-hearted  and  the  vain. 
But  how  foolish  is  this  !  Not  that  I  would  be  for  render- 
ing religion  hateful.    No  :  but  there  is  a  seriousness  in 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


139 


the  matter  that  is  becoming,  and  there  is  something  even 
in  form  that  I  am  persuaded  God  is  well  pleased  with. 
For  instance,  bowing  the  knee  when  in  a  place  consecrated 
to  religious  services.  May  the  Good  One  correct  what  is 
amiss. 

'  "When  I  commenced  this,  I  did  not  expect  to  say  half  as 
much.    I  hope  it  will  not  be  altogether  uninteresting. 

Let  us  strive  to  live  every  moment  for  God — for  eter- 
nity !  Let  us  permit  no  moment  to  pass,  "  but  in  purchase 
of  its  worth."  And  who  can  estimate  the  value  of  a  mo- 
ment of  time  ?  May  we  not  inquire  of  death-beds  to  get  a 
proper  answer  ?  Oh  !  that  we  may  cleave  closer  to  God, 
and  "  be  careful  for  nothing,  but  in  every  thing  by  prayer 
and  supplication,  with  thanksgiving,  make  our  requests 
known  unto  God."  Meantime  I  leave  you  in  his  care 
whose  eye  never  slumbers  or  sleeps.  May  we  in  all  things 
so  please  him  that  he  may  direct  our  paths.  So  prays 
your  affectionate 

John  "W.  Childs. 

Here  ends  this  correspondence;  and  we  very  much 
doubt,  if  the  annals  of  courtship  were  written  up,  whether 
a  parallel  could  be  found. 

On  the  13th  of  March,  1834,  Mr.  Childs  was  married 
to  Miss  Martha  S.  Rives,  in  the  house  of  the  Rev.  John 
Early,  in  the  town  of  Lynchburg,  Virginia.  The  rites 
were  solemnized  by  Rev.  Mr.  Early. 

In  the  selection  of  a  wife,  he  found  one  peculiarly  quali- 
fied to  suit  his  disposition,  habits,  and  views ;  and,  through 
sixteen  years,  as  his  companion,  amid  the  privations,  hard- 
ships, and  trials  of  the  Methodist  itinerant  life,  she  proved 
herself  every  way  worthy  of  the  exceedingly  high  estimate 
which  he  placed  upon  her  before  their  marriage. 


140 


LIFE  OF  THE 


CHAPTER  X. 

SALISBURY  DISTRICT.  1834. 

Returns  to  his  district — Diary — Narrow  escape  of  himself  and  wife — 
Letter  to  Mrs.  E. — His  labours — Revivals — Letter  to  his  wife — Diary 
— Attack  of  illness — End  of  the  year — Leaves  his  wife  and  child  for 
Conference — Appointed  to  the  Amherst  circuit — Review  of  his  la- 
bours as  a  Presiding  Elder. 

In  a  few  days  after  his  marriage,  Mr.  Childs  proceeded 
from  Lynchburg  to  his  district,  and  with  as  little  delay  as 
possible  commenced  his  round  of  quarterly  meetings. 

The  entries  in  his  diary  present  but  little  variety ;  but 
continue  to  exhibit  the  same  elevated  tone  of  piety  and 
spiritual  enjoyment,  that  we  have  seen  in  previous  extracts. 
In  the  little  sententious  prayers  which  abound  in  his  en- 
tries, he  includes  his  wife  with  himself,  praying  for  her 
protection,  health,  spiritual  comfort,  and  growth  in  grace, 
as  well  as  his  own.  The  following  we  shall  present  as  a 
specimen,  and  pass  on  with  only  occasional,  and  very  much 
abridged  quotations  from  his  diary. 

"  At  Bio.  Smith's,  near  Gelhscmane,  Guilford  circuit, 
April  7th,  1834. — Rose  before  four — prayed  and  read  my 
Bible  for  more  than  an  hour.  The  Lord  was  in  a  degree 
present,  and  my  soul  rejoiced  from  a  comfortable  persua- 
sion, that  he  will  be  with  me  to  prosper  the  work  of  my 
hands.  May  our  God  give  his  blessing  to  his  general 
church.  Be  with  me  this  day,  and  bring  me  in  peace  to 
see  my  dear  wife.  I  thank  thee,  O  Lord,  that  I  have  one. 
O  teach  me  to  love  her  for  thy  sake,  and  may  we  do  thy 
will  on  earth  as  it  is  done  in  heaven." 

April  9th,  in  writing  to  Mrs.  Early  of  Lynchburg,  he 
says  :  "  My  great  concern  is  that  I  may  act,  in  any  degree, 
worthy  of  her,  of  whom  God  has  made  me  the  husband. 
This  I  cannot  do  without  divine  assistance.    Oh  that  we 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


141 


may  be  faithful  to  our  God,  and  to  each  other  in  every 
thing !  I  know  it  requires  grace  ;  but  then  I  believe  there 
is  a  fulness  laid  up  for  us  in  Christ  Jesus.  So  far,  God 
has  manifestly  opened  up  our  way.  May  the  Head  of  the 
church  ever  be  with  us,  and  grant  us  great  success  in  our 
labours  for  the  advancement  of  his  kingdom.  I  see  clearly, 
if  we  would  'inherit  all  things/  we  must  overcome;  and 
there  is  no  overcoming  without  fighting.  Let  us  then 
fight  the  good  fight  of  faith.  There  are  many  things  to 
fight  against,  and  with,  that  some,  who  are  reputably  reli- 
gious will  tell  you  are  perfectly  compatible  with  the  cross 
of  Christ.  Oh !  let  us  beware  of  these  saints  of  the  pre- 
sent world,  and  draw  our  maxims  from  the  Bible.  'Blessed 
is  the  man  that  walketh  not  in  the  counsel  of  the  ungodly.' 
Labour  every  day  to  take  higher  ground.  '  Reprove,  ex- 
hort, admonish'  all  that  you  have  any  intercourse  with, 
and  God  will  give  you  his  blessing.  '  He  that  waters 
shall  be  watered.'  Meanwhile,  let  us  hang  by  faith  upon 
our  God, 

'  'Till  we  his  glory  sec ;' 

and, 

'  Until  the  sprinkling  of  his  blood, 
Shall  speak  us  up  to  heaven.' " 

Mr.  Childs  left  his  wife  with  a  friend  in  Germantown, 
Stokes  county,  and  went  to  the  mountainous  part  of  his 
district  to  attend  his  meetings;  where,  on  the  6th  of  May, 
he  writes  in  his  diary : — "I  rejoice  that  God  seems  to  be 
renewing  ray  health;  have  some  sweet  intimations  that 
the  Lord  will  revive  his  work  by  my  feeble  instrumentality. 
O  Jesus,  if  thou  canst  work  by  such  a  poor  worm,  be 
pleased  to  prepare,  make  me  entirely  holy  in  heart,  life, 
and  all  manner  of  conversation." 

On  the  same  date  he  writes  to  his  wife.  The  letter  is 
full  of  affection  ;  but  we  shall  only  quote  the  portion  that 
relates  especially  to  his  own  experience. 

"  If  I  know  myself,"  he  writes,  "  I  enjoy  more  of  God 
than  I  ever  did  in  my  life ;  yet  more  humility  is  wanting 
on  my  part.  I  feel,  my  dear,  that  God  is  good — that  my 
soul  blesses  him,  (though  not  sufficiently,)  that  he  satisfies 


142 


LIFE  OP  THE 


my  mouth  with  good  things,  so  that,  comparatively,  my 
youth  is  renewed  like  the  eagle's;  and,  if  not  mistaken, 
feel  more  than  ever  resolved  to  run  on  in  the  good  way 
that  leads  to  heaven." 

The  few  weeks  that  he  was  absent  from  Mrs.  Childs, 
"were  spent  among  his  friends  in  the  counties  of  Wilkes 
and  Iredell,  where  he  was  surrounded  by  every  thing  to 
please  the  eye  and  cheer  the  mind.  It  was  in  the  balmy 
month  of  May.  The  forests  upon  the  mountains  were 
putting  on  their  glossy  dress  of  summer  foliage.  The 
crystal  streams  that  had  been  fettered  in  ice,  were  again 
rejoicing  with  a  merry  laugh  along  the  vales.  The  glit- 
tering cascade  was  flashing  in  the  sunlight,  upon  the  face 
of  the  precipitous  rock,  and  suddenly  disappearing  in  the 
deep  chasm  at  its  foot.  The  fragrance  of  the  sweet  spring 
blossoms  was  upon  every  passing  breeze ;  while  overhead 
were  the  blue  heavens,  and  all  around  the  hum  of  bees, 
and  the  song  of  birds.  The  ploughman  was  in  his  furrow  ; 
the  cattle  were  browsing  upon  the  hills  and  sunny  glades ; 
the  quiet  homes  of  the  farmers  were  seen  dotting  the  land- 
scape, surrounded  with  clumps  of  forest  trees,  and  lapped 
in  secluded  dells,  at  the  base  of  the  mountains.  Wherever 
he  went  he  met  with  a  cordial  greeting,  and  a  hearty  wel- 
come. But  his  eye  was  steadily  placed  on  the  heavenly 
city;  and  his  diary  contains  scarcely  an  allusion  to  the 
enchanting  scenery,  or  the  hospitable  friends  around  him. 
Day  after  day,  he  seeks  a  country  out  of  sight.  "  His 
face  was  set  as  though  he  would  go  beyond;"  his  affections 
were  on  things  above ;  and  he  seems  to  have  been  but 
little  influenced  by  the  things  of  this  life. 

He  commenced  holding  camp-meetings  at  an  early  period 
in  this  year.  May  the  20th,  we  find  the  following  in  his 
•  journal.  "  The  camp-meeting  closed  this  day  at  Liberty. 
Not  a  great  many  converted  ;  but,  0  Lord,  we  thank  thee 
for  the  manifestations  of  thy  grace.  Some  were  cut  to 
the  heart,  and  some  found  peace  in  believing.  0  carry 
on  thy  work,  and  make  thy  people  and  ministers  holy  and 
happy.  Lord,  I  thank  thee  for  the  manifestations  of  thy 
grace  to  my  poor  soul.    Oh  !  for  more  of  that  wisdom 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


143 


which  is  from  ahove.  Help  me  and  my  dear  wife  to  do 
thy  will  more  perfectly  on  earth,  and  then  do  thou  bring 
us  both  to  heaven. 

"  I  confess  my  short-comings,  my  backslidings,  my  un- 
worthiness ;  yet,  nevertheless,  I  do  praise  thee  that  thou 
hast  lately  given  me  more  perfect,  permanent,  and  abiding 
peace,  than  hitherto  I  have  known." 

In  the  early  part  of  the  month  of  June,  while  on  his 
way  to  one  of  his  appointments  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
Greensborough,  his  horse  took  fright  and  ran  away  with 
his  vehicle ;  and  but  for  the  kind  intervention  of  Provi- 
dence, he  and  his  wife  both  must  have  been  killed.  They 
were  thrown  violently  upon  the  ground,  the  vehicle  was 
broken  in  pieces,  and  they  were  left  but  slightly  injured, 
by  the  road.  In  a  few  days  thereafter,  they  were  again 
exposed  in  the  same  way ;  but  unfortunately,  did  not  es- 
cape so  well.  Their  horse  ran  away,  thrusting  them  out 
with  such  violence,  as  very  seriously  to  injure  Mrs.  Childs, 
though  he  escaped  with  only  some  very  slight  contusions. 
He  makes  the  following  allusion  to  these  casualties  in  his 
diary. 

e<  At  Brother  John  Harris's,  June  16(h. — Since  the  above 
was  written,  [alluding  to  his  previous  entries]  Lord,  what 
hast  thou  called  me  to  pass  through  !  Both  myself  and 
wife  have  been  called  to  pass  through  a  fiery  ordeal.  How 
near  to  death  have  we  been  !  yet  thou  hast  not  delivered 
us  over.  O  Lord,  accept  our  thanks  for  thy  goodness  in 
sparing  us,  and  may  the  residue  of  our  days  be  unre- 
servedly consecrated  to  thee." 

In  the  following  letter  he  also  alludes  to  this  subject. 

Greensborough,  N.  C,  May  20th,  1834. 

Dear  Sister  E. — Wc  have  to  thank  the  Lord  that  we 
are  alive ;  for  although  we  have  met  with  two  accidents 
recently,  by  the  running  away  of  our  beast,  yet  no  bones 
have  been  broken.  But  Martha  as  well  as  myself  were 
bruised  to  a  considerable  extent.  The  hardest  part  appears 
to  have  fallen  on  her.  *  *  * 

Let  us  adore  the  hand  of  the  Almighty  and  bless  him, 
that  his  judgments  are  mixed  with  mercy.    We  are  not 


144 


LIFE  OF  THE 


discouraged,  but  trust  we  are  more  disposed  to  give  up  all 
for  God,  for  Christ,  for  Heaven  !  May  the  Holy  Ghost 
sanctify  this  dispensation  of  his  providence,  and  teach  us 
the  lesson  he  would  have  us  learn  therefrom. 

We  have  exchanged  our  animal  for  a  strong  horse,  which 
we  think  was  thrown  in  our  way  by  the  hand  of  our  kind 
Father  in  Heaven.  Oh  !  could  we  so  use  these  creatures 
as  to  be  thankful  to  the  Almighty  Creator. 

I  see  more  clearly  that  we  are  in  continual  danger  of 
taking  our  eye  off  of  the  mark  of  holiness,  set  before  us  in 
the  Scriptures,  and  substituting  something  else  in  its  place. 
If  I  dared  to  express  my  thoughts,  I  should  say  multitudes 
do  it ;  and  some,  I  fear,  whose  lives  are  handed  down  to  us 
as  examples  for  us  to  follow.  But  enough ;  let  us  see  to  it 
that  we  be  followers  of  those,  who,  "  through  faith  and 
patience  inherit  the  promises."  *  *  * 

We  are  trying  to  cut  off  every  yoke,  and  live,  and  preach 
plain,  wholesome  truth. 

Affectionately  yours, 

John  W.  Childs. 

On  the  same  date  he  writes  in  his  diary — a  I  have  this 
day  read  with  profit,  Mr.  Wesley's  sermon  on  the  "Danger 
of  increasing  in  Riches,"  and  discover  more  clearly  that 
we  are  an  assembly  of  unjust  men.  Lord  forgive  the  co- 
vetousness  of  thy  people,  and  save  them  for  thy  mercies' 
sake.    Oh  !  help  us  all  to  awake,  and  watch,  and  pray — 

"Tread  all  the  powers  of  darkness  down, 
And  win  the  well-fought  day." 

II  Saturday  morning,  June  21st. — Rose  at  four — attend- 
ed prayer-meeting  at  the  church,  at  sunrise.  Was  com- 
forted— Lord  do  thou  '  lead  me  in  a  plain  path  because  of 
mine  enemies.'" 

Henceforth  we  find  him  actively  engaged  in  the  work  of 
the  ministry.  In  all  the  towns  and  villages  where  he  lodged 
he  held  sunrise  prayer-meetings.  At  these  he  often  lectured. 
The  work  of  revival  began  to  spread  in  every  direction,  and 
a  large  number  of  souls  were  converted  to  God.  Amid  all, 
his  soul  seems  to  have  been  constantly  stayed  upon  God ; 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


145 


and  daily  he  records  the  goodness  of  his  Heavenly  Father 
in  continuing  to  manifest  his  gracious  presence  to  his  heart. 
His  enjoyments  seem  to  have  been  very  uniform  for  several 
months.  But  so  exalted  were  his  views  of  Christian  obli- 
gation, and  so  high  was  his  standard  of  religious  duty,  that 
in  looking  around  him  upon  the  church,  he  saw  but  little 
to  commend. 

In  writing  to  the  Rev.  John  Early,  July  5th,  he  says,— 
"I  try  to  keep  myself  awake,  but  I  fear  there  are  many 
things  to  be  corrected ;  and  who  is  sufficient  for  these 
things  ?  I  frankly  confess  I  am  not ;  and  I  exceedingly 
fear  that  I  am  out  of  my  element.  I  earnestly  desire  to 
do  good,  but  think  my  call  is  to  do  it  in  a  narrower  sphere. 
I  long  to  be  little  and  uuknown,  loved  and  prized  by  God, 
and  by  good  people  alone.  But  I  see  the  world  knows 
not  how  properly  to  estimate  such  a  course.  Be  it  so ; 
this  is  my  cross  and  I  must  bear  it :  and,  I  may  add,  a 
great  part  of  what  is  called  the  Christian  world  appear  to 
have  their  eyes  but  a  little  more  enlightened  on  the  sub- 
ject. How  many  there  are  who  yet  *  savor  the  things 
that  be  of  men.'  Say  I  these  things  by  way  of  censure  ? 
Heaven  knows  that  I  would  sing  for  joy  of  heart,  could 
I  see  it  otherwise.  But  it  is  my  deliberate  opinion,  if  Mr. 
Wesley's  interpretation  of  the  Bible  be  taken  for  good  gold, 
there  are  but  few  who  will  not  be  found  wanting  when 
weighed  in  the  balances.  I  desire  to  begin  with  judging 
myself ;  and  confess  frankly,  I  have  come  far  short  of 
my  privilege  and  duty.  I  hear  the  voice  of  God  saying 
'  Be  ye  holy,  for  I  am  holy ;'  and  there  are  many  great 
and  precious  promises,  that  by  them  we  might  have  hope. 
But  who  are  the  witnesses  of  these  things  ?  Here  and 
there  a  solitary  traveller.  I  bless  the  Lord  for  the  good  I 
see  ;  and  for  the  prospect  of  good  that  seems  to  be  opening. 
But  where  are  the  Wesleys,  the  Fletchers,  the  Grim- 
shaws,  the  Nelsons  ?  Men  who  practised  every  part  of 
their  creed  in  their  own  lives.  Oh,  brother  E.!  could  I  see 
this, — much  as  I  love  some,  in  this  world,  I  should  be 
ready  to  say,  '  Lord,  now  lettest  thou  thy  servant  depart  in 
peace,  for  mine  eyes  have  seen  thy  salvation.'    'Who  will 

13 


146 


LIFE  OF  THE 


rise  up  against  the  evil  doers  V  May  the  Almighty  raise 
up  a  host — men  of  clean  hands  and  pure  hearts." 

From  his  journal  we  make  the  following  extracts. 

"  Germantown,  July  5th. — 0  let  every  instance  of  thy 
gooduess  lead  me  to  repentance  ;  and  may  I  get  wiser  and 
better  by  daily  experience.  I  thank  thee  for  judgments, 
for  crosses,  for  losses,  for  all  thou  doest  give  me  to  suffer, 
if  by  any  means  I  may  be  ready  for  thy  coming." 

11  July  8th. — O  suffer  me  not  to  turn  thy  grace  into 
lasciviousncss  ;  but  give  me 

"  That  solemn  awe  that  dares  not  move, 
And  all  the  silent  heaven  of  love." 

"  July  9  th. — On  the  camp-ground,  Mount  Vernon.  For 
several  days  have  enjoyed  unusual  rest  in  my  spirit  by 
looking  unto  Jesus.  O  my  Saviour,  I  want  more  of  thy 
transforming  influence.  Let  it  come  down  on  me,  'and  make 
me  all  like  thyself — '  full  of  goodness — full  of  thee.'  " 

"Jali/  16th. — At  Mr.  Poindexter's.  Lord,  give  me  a 
more  aimable  spirit,  that  I  may  know  how  to  let  my  light 
shine  most  to  thy  glory.  I  want  new  love,  new  light,  new 
heat.  As  one  says,  'make  me  as  active  as  fire,  and  as  steady 
as  the  needle  to  the  pole  in  thy  service.'  O  for  grace  to 
love  thee  more." 

"  July  18th. — Lay  in  my  bed  till  near  half-past  six ! 
Was  this  because  of  weariness  and  fatigue,  or  a  disposition 
to  backslide  ?    Lord,  show  me." 

"  July  19th. — Rose  at  half  after  five.  Still  an  hour  be- 
hind my  usual  time." 

He  was  now  absent  from  his  wife,  to  whom  he  wrote, 
July  19th,  1834,  as  follows  :— 

My  Dear  Martha  Susan  : — Through  the  tender 
mercies  of  our  God  I  have  arrived  safely  at  the  place  ap- 
pointed for  the  quarterly  meeting,  but  in  consequence  of 
continued  rains  have  not  had  an  opportunity  of  preaching 
since  I  left.  I  have  had  some  waves  of  temptation  and 
affliction  to  pass  through,  but  thank  God  my  anchor 
seems  to  be  cast  within  the  veil,  and  I  trust  is  held  fast  by 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


147 


the  cable  of  faith.  This  day  my  soul  has  had  some  com- 
fortable and  refreshing  views  of  Jesus,  and  I  want  to  know 
more  of  the  length,  breadth,  height  and  depth  of  his  dying 
love.  Oh,  for  more  and  still  more  !  I  want  to  bathe 
my  soul  in  the  vast  ocean  of  God's  unmcasurable  love. 
Oh  I  to  be  united  to  Christ — to  submit  to  his  authority 
completely,  what  unutterable  sweetness  does  it  bring 
to  the  soul !  How  much  I  need  your  prayers,  and  your 
advice  too,  which  latter  I  fear  you  feel  a  delicacy  in  giv- 
ing. Oh !  my  dear,  if  it  be  heavenly  and  holy,  it  shall 
be  received  with  all  thankfulness.  Have  I  pained  you  by 
any  roughness  or  harshness  ?  If  I  have,  forgive  me,  my 
dear,  and  try  to  cure  me  by  a  mild  remonstrance,  and  by 
your  prayers.  There  may  be  the  appearance  of  roughness 
sometimes,  when  it  is  not  intended  by  your  husband ;  but 
he  has  a  'jealous,  godly  fear'  over  himself  when  certain 
points  are  touched.  He  knows  how  liable  he  is  to  fail  in 
his  duty — he  knows  that  many  have  failed,  occupying  the 
ground  he  now  does,  (that  of  a  married  preacher,)  and 
therefore  he  fears  that  he  may  sometimes  answer  her  who 
is  dearer  to  him  than  life,  in  the  way  just  alluded  to.  I 
refer  to  your  question,  whether  I  could  not  remain  till 
the  afternoon  of  the  day  on  which  I  left  you? 

July  '22d. — Since  writing  the  above  I  have  preached 
three  times.  Our  gracious  God  was  merciful  at  each  ef- 
fort, and  apparent  good  was  done, — a  number  bowed  as 
mourners,  and  some  seemed  to  be  comforted. 

Upon  the  whole  my  soul  has  enjoyed  a  degree  of  pros- 
perity since  I  commenced  this  letter.  But  oh  !  how  far 
short  of  Mrs.  Maxwell  do  I  come.  In  reading  the  first 
volume  of  her  letters  I  took  up  the  notion  she  was  but  a 
poor  letter  writer;  but  have  seen  cause  to  change  my 
opinion.  She  certainly  was  a  holy  and  deeply  spiritual 
woman,  surpassing,  in  my  judgment,  Mrs.  Fletcher,  Mrs. 
llogers,  or  any  one  else  that  I  have  read  of,  except  Mrs. 
Cooper:  though  my  judgment  was  quite  immature  when 
I  read  Mrs.  Cooper's  letters.    *    *  * 

My  dear,  let  us  abide  in  Christ,  and  strive  for  a  closer 
walk  with  God.    All  this  is  to  be  effected  by  a  more  inti- 


148 


LIFE  OF  TIIE 


mate  union,  communion — or  rather,  acquaintance  with 
Jesus.  Your  affectionate  husband, 

John  Wesley  Childs. 

11  July  ZOth. — Yesteday  was  a  day  of  trial  and  sore 
-temptation.  Lord,  forgive  wherein  I  have  grieved  thee. 
Oh  !  I  am  conscious  I  neglected  my  usual  devotions  in  the 
morning;  and,  as  is  generally  the  case,  was  strongly 
tossed  during  the  day.  O  my  God,  forgive,  and  grant  me 
grace  to  do  better  for  the  time  to  come." 

" August  8th. — How  variously  have  I  been  tossed  since 
an  entry  was  made.  Ob,  the  blasts  of  adversity  and  temp- 
tation !  Lord  Jesus,  save  me,  and  deliver  me  from  evil. 
Thou  alone  canst  help  me.  Oh !  for  thy  mercy's  sake  for- 
give my  past  follies  and  transgressions,  and  give  me  a  new 
and  clean  heart." 

For  a  week  or  more  following  the  last  date  Mr.  Childs 
seems  to  have  been  in  sore  trial.  He  complains  of  his 
want  of  communion  with  God — his  coldness  and  barren- 
ness of  soul.  From  this  uncomfortable  state  of  mind  he 
was  happily  relieved,  and  on  the  21st  August,  he  thus 
writes — "  Oh,  how  precious  is  thy  word.  My  God,  it  is 
better  to  me  than  thousands  of  gold  and  silver.  '  Through 
thy  precepts  I  get  understanding  :  I  hate  every  false  way.'  " 
And  again  on  the  27th — "  My  God,  how  many  are  thy 
mercies !  who  can  count  them  ?  I  would  bless  thee  for 
life  with  all  its  comforts ;  and  even  for  those  things  of  a 
contrary  nature  that  are  intended  to  further  me  in  the  di- 
vine life."  Sept.  ith,  he  writes — "  For  some  days  my 
body  has  been  much  affected — the  corruptible  body  presses 
down  the  soul.  Yet  God  is  good,  and  in  the  midst  of  my 
afflictions,  he,  from  time  to  time,  manifests  himself  to  me. 
O  my  God,  slay  every  traitor  in  my  heart,  and  set  up 
thy  kingdom,  which  consists  in  'righteousness,  peace,  and 
joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.'  " 

"  Sept.  IGth,  Lexington,  at  the  close  of  the  camp-meet- 
ing.— The  Lord  was  graciously  present  with  me  in  my  de- 
votions this  morning  ;  and  has  been  unusually  so  for  some 
time  past.    O,  my  God,  I  will  here  record  thy  lovingkind- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


1 19 


ness  towards  me,  a  poor  worm,  for  it  is  great.  Preserve 
me  from  this  time  forth,  and  for  evermore." 

Sept.  17th,  in  writing  to  his  Lynchburg  correspondent, 
he  says — "I  have  lately  enjoyed  a  nearer  access  to  the 
throne  of  grace,  and  find  that  the  faithfulness  of  my  God 
is  greater  than  I  have  any  language  to  express  adequate 
ideas  of.  If  I  had  a  thousand  tongues  I  would  employ 
them  all  in  speaking  of  the  lovingkindness  of  the  Lord. 
Oh,  he  is  good,  and  his  tender  mercies  are  over  all  his 
works." 

Sept.  18th. — He  solemnly  dedicated  himself  again  wholly 
to  God.  This  act  of  consecration  he  wrote  in  the  follow- 
ing words : — 

"  Here  I  would  devote  anew  my  soul,  body,  and  spirit — 
all  that  I  have,  and  all  that  I  am  to  thee.  Oh !  do  thou  ac- 
cept through  Jesus  Christ.  J.  "W.  Childs." 

More  than  a  month  elapsed  before  another  entry  was 
made,  during  which  time  he  passed  through  a  severe  at- 
tack of  illness,  which  he  bore  without  a  murmur.  His 
wife  also  was  deeply  afflicted  for  several  weeks;  but  none 
of  these  things  moved  him,  nor  did  he  count  his  life  dear 
to  him,  "  so  he  might  finish  his  course  with  joy,  and  the 
ministry  which  he  had  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  tes- 
tify the  gospel  of  the  grace  of  God." 

Nov.  28th,  he  writes — "  My  soul  still  follows  hard 
after  God.  My  health  in  a  degree,  thou  hast  restored.  Be 
pleased,  0  Lord,  to  give  me  that  measure  of  health  that 
thou  seest  best.  If  it  be  thy  will,  grant  me  good  health — 
yet,  let  thy  will  be  done.  Grant  me  wisdom  to  spend 
time,  strength,  talents  all  to  thy  honour  and  glory." 

The  Conference  year  was  now  drawing  to  a  close,  and  he 
was  busily  engaged  in  closing  up  the  quarterly  meetings  on 
his  district,  and  arranging  affairs  for  his  successor,  should 
he  be  released  from  the  presiding  eldership,  which  he 
seems  very  sincerely  to  have  desired.  His  diary  seems  to 
have  been  neglected ;  for  we  find  no  entry  from  the  28th 
November  till  the  27th  December. 

Jan.  1st.  1835. — We  find  him  at  Germantown  where 

13* 


150 


LIFE  OF  THE 


he  makes  the  following  entry :  "  0  my  God,  thou  alone 
art  my  portion.  Be  pleased,  this  day,  to  accept  of  our 
souls  and  bodies,  a  living  sacrifice,  through  Jesus  Christ. 
May  the  past  follies  and  sins  of  our  lives  be  blotted  out, 
and  our  names  recorded  in  the  book  of  life." 

The  above  is  the  last  entry  which  he  made  before  Con- 
ference. 

Mr.  Childs  left  his  wife  and  infant,  with  his  kind  friend 
and  brother  (Mr.  Gibson)  in  Germantown,  North  Carolina, 
and  proceeded  to  Lynchburg,  the  seat  of  the  Conference, 
where  he  arrived  in  safety,  though  much  exposed  to  cold 
and  fatigue  by  the  way.  From  this  place,  Feb.  11th,  he 
writes  to  Mrs.  Childs  : — 

"  I  feel  thankful,  as  things  are,  that  I  made  the  effort  to 
come  to  Conference,  as  there  would  have  been  some  con- 
fusion in  my  business  without  my  presence.  And  if  you 
are  preserved,  and  our  heavenly  Father  permits  us  to  see 
each  other  again  in  peace,  his  name  shall  have  all  the 
praise.  O,  my  dear,  let  us  give  up  ourselves  more  unre- 
servedly to  his  service." 

Feb.  17. — He  says,  in  another  letter  to  Mrs.  Childs : — 
"  In  relation  to  my  appointment  for  the  next  year  I  have 
not  yet  come  to  any  settled  conclusion.  Oh  !  that  our  hea- 
venly Father  may  direct  in  this  matter."  He  then  adds, 
"  let  us  seek  all  our  happiness  in  God  ;  and  I  verily  believe 
we  shall  have  more  real  happiness,  even  of  an  earthly  na- 
ture, than  we  could  possible  have  by  pursuing  any  other 
course." 

From  this  conference  Mr.  Childs  was  appointed  to  the 
pastoral  oversight  of  the  Amherst  Circuit,  lying  on  the 
north  side  of  James  river,  and  immediately  adjacent  to 
Lynchburg. 

We  shall  close  this  chapter  with  a  brief  review  of  Mr. 
Childs's  labours  as  presiding  elder.  He  seems  reluctantly 
to  have  accepted  this  post  in  the  Church ;  and  the  reader 
is  already  advised  that  he  was  constantly  labouring  under 
the  impression  that  it  was  not  his  appropriate  sphere  of 
ministerial  duty.  And  yet,  it  may  be  said  with  safety, 
that  no  man  was  ever  more  acceptable,  in  this  relation  to 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


151 


church  than  was  Mr.  Childs  as  presiding  elder  of  the 
district  on  which,  for  two  years,  he  laboured  with  so  much 
fidelity  and  success. 

His  intercourse  with  the  families  where  he  lodged  was 
most  salutary.  He  was  always  about  his  Master's  work ; 
and  wherever  an  opportunity  to  do  good  presented  itself 
he  availed  himself  of  it.  He  conversed  with  the  children 
and  servants  of  the  households  wherever  he  went,  upon  the 
subject  of  religion  ;  and,  in  many  instances,  while  spend- 
ing two  or  three  days  in  a  family,  was  instrumental  in  their 
conversion.  At  family  prayer  he  read  and  expounded 
the  Scriptures  ;  and  in  the  evening  he  took  occasion  to  ex- 
hort the  servants,  and  instruct  them  in  the  plan  of  salva- 
tion. And  many  on  the  Salisbury  district  will  doubtless 
rise  up  in  the  day  of  judgment,  and  call  him  blessed,  for 
teaching  them  the  way  of  life. 

But  it  was  in  his  oversight  of  the  preachers  in  his  dis- 
trict that  his  influence  was  most  powerfully  felt  as  a  pre- 
siding elder.  He  carefully  and  tenderly  watched  over  the 
young  men  placed  under  his  care.  At  his  quarterly  meet- 
ings he  took  occasion  to  throw  himself  with  them  as  much 
as  possible  ;  and  by  kind  advices,  and  affectionate  admo- 
nitions, endeavoured  to  correct  the  little  improprieties  and 
failings  which  he  deemed  of  sufficient  moment  to  require 
attention.  He  was  not  a  censorious  critic;  and  yet  he  lis- 
tened critically  to  the  sermons  of  his  young  men  ;  and 
whatever  he  discovered  in  their  manner,  pronunciation, 
gesture,  style,  &c,  that  should  be  corrected,  he  noted  it  at 
the  time,  and  then  sought  a  suitable  occasion  to  call  atten- 
tion to  it.  This  he  did,  in  an  evening  walk  on  the  road, 
or  when  alone  with  the  person  in  his  room. 

When  reproof  was  necessary  he  administered  it  with  the 
utmost  tenderness.  The  consequence  was,  his  young  men 
loved  him,  and  were  unembarrassed  in  his  presence.  And 
then,  eternity  alone  will  reveal  the  good  which  he  did  in 
his  private  intercourse  with  his  preachers,  by  the  silent, 
yet  almost  irresistible  influence  of  his  example,  as  a  man 
of  piety  and  prayer.  He  proposed  private  prayer  so  often 
when  alone  with  his  preachers,  and  spent  so  much  time 


152 


LIFE  OF  THE 


upon  his  knees  in  earnest  wrestling  with  God,  that  it  was 
impossible  for  any  man  to  be  in  his  company  without 
being  influenced  more  or  less  by  his  holy  life. 

The  example  of  a  presiding  elder  with  his  young  preach- 
ers is  scarcely  to  be  estimated.  His  style  of  sermonizing, 
his  manner  of  delivery,  and  his  habits  of  devotion,  will 
all  make  an  indelible  impression  upon  the  minds  of  those 
under  his  charge.  How  important  then  to  the  interests 
and  continued  prosperity  of  the  church  that  he  should  be 
a  man  of  the  right  stamp ;  a  man  of  sound  judgment,  of 
deep  personal  piety,  of  studious  habits,  and  of  good  preach- 
ing abilities.  Such  a  man  was  the  subject  of  this  memoir. 
There  was  in  him  every  thing  to  check  vanity  and  pride ; 
every  thing  to  curb  an  indomitable  and  unholy  ambition  ; 
every  thing  to  restrain  extravagance  of  manner,  foolish  at- 
tempt at  mere  tinsel,  in  style,  or  rhetorical  flourish  in  the 
delivery  of  a  sermon ;  and  yet  every  thing  to  encourage 
diligent  and  patient  study  of  the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  of 
the  best  theological  works — every  thing  to  urge  one  for- 
ward in  the  path  of  acquirement,  and  to  prompt  one  to  go 
on  to  the  highest  attainable  point  of  excellence  and  use- 
fulness in  the  ministry.  Nothing  to  encourage  idleness, 
or  make  a  young  man  fold  his  arms,  and  rest  satisfied  with 
an  humble  mediocrity  in  the  pulpit.  Mr.  Childs  was  care- 
ful to  guard  those  under  his  care  against  every  thing  like 
mere  display  in  the  exhibition  of  gospel  truth.  ' 

In  his  examination  of  candidates  for  the  ministry,  he 
was  patient  and  thorough.  An  acquaintance  with  the  Holy 
Scriptures  he  regarded  as  of  the  highest  importance  to  the 
man  entering  upon  the  sacred  vocation.  He  therefore  al- 
ways required  plain  texts  in  proof  of  the  doctrines  on  which 
he  examined.  He  gave  prominence  to  the  doctrines  of 
justification  by  faith,  regeneration,  witness  of  the  Spirit, 
and  holiness  or  sanctification. 

At  the  session  of  the  Conference,  on  the  examination  of 
character,  he  was  never  extravagant  in  his  representations 
of  the  talents  and  usefulness  of  his  preachers ;  but  always 
spoke  with  discrimination  of  each  one's  abilities,  and  other 
qualifications.    Such  men  filling  the  office  of  presiding 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


1 53 


elder,  must  ever  make  it  a  powerful  arm  in  the  great 
machinery  of  Methodist  Itinerancy. 

We  do  not  intend  to  intimate  that  he  had  no  superiors ; 
nor  do  we  say  that  we  have  none  equal  to  him ;  but  we 
will  say,  would  to  God,  we  had  more  like  him. 

The  author  has  spoken  of  Mr.  Childs  as  presiding  elder 
from  his  personal  kuowledge.  He  knows  the  things 
whereof  he  affirms. 


CHAPTER  XI. 

AMIIERST  AND  AMELIA  CIRCUITS.    1835  AND  183G. 

Returns  to  North  Carolina  for  his  family — Goes  to  his  circuit — Letter 
to  his  wile — Diary — Circuit  labour — Visit  to  Albemarle  circuit— Old 
friends — Extracts  from  his  diary — Close  of  the  year — Attends  Con- 
ference— Anecdote — Appointed  to  Amelia  circuit — Repairs  to  his 
appointment — Letter  to  Mr.  Bass — His  own  experience — State  of  tho 
circuit — A  subject  that  gave  him  trouble— Letter — Thinks  of  a  trans- 
fer to  another  Conference — Attends  Conference — Sent  to  Prince  Ed- 
ward circuit. 

On  the  adjournment  of  Conference,  Mr.  Childs  returned 
to  his  family  in  Genuantown,  North  Carolina,  where  he 
spent  a  few  days  in  getting  in  readiness  for  his  journey, 
and  then  proceeded,  by  convenient  stages,  with  his  wife 
and  infant,  to  Lynchburg;  where  he  left  Mrs.  Childs  with 
her  friends,  and  entered  at  once  upon  his  work  on  the 
Amherst  circuit. 

The  following  letter,  addressed  to  Mrs.  C.  while  on  his 
first  round  on  his  circuit,  will  be  found  interesting  : — 

Amherst  Circuit,  April  3d,  1835. 

My  Dear  Martha  : — Since  leaving  you,  I  have  been 
quite  indisposed;  but  have  been  able,  however,  to  meet 
my  appointments,  and  trust  have  been  strengthened,  in  a 
peculiar  way,  both  in  body  and  in  mind.    I  have  been 


154 


LIFE  OF  THE 


much  comforted  in  my  labour.  The  people  seem  affection- 
ately to  receive  me,  and  I  hope  some  good  has  been  done 
in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

I  feel  well  satisfied  with  the  change  from  a  district  to  a 
circuit — seem  to  move  in  my  proper  element ;  but  fear  the 
friends  in  some  places  expect  too  much.  What,  however, 
cannot  Divine  grace  do  for  us  !  My  dear  Martha,  let  us 
look  up  for  more  and  more  of  it,  that  we  may  be  whole- 
some patterns  to  all. 

"April  6th. — I  enjoy  much  peace  of  mind — more,  I  think, 
lately  than  for  a  great  while — perhaps  more  than  ever  be- 
fore. Oh,  my  dear,  let  us  arise  and  shake  ourselves  from 
the  dust.  There  is  a  great  work  for  us  to  perform ;  let  us 
not  be  slothful  in  the  performance,  rather  let  us  be  pat- 
terns '  of  all  diligence  and  frugality  that  the  gospel  be  not 
blamed.'  Meantime,  let  us  exercise  that  living  faith  in 
the  merits  of  our  blessed  Redeemer,  without  which  all  our 
works  are  unacceptable  to  God.  May  we  '  be  found  of 
him,  not  having  our  own  righteousness  which  is  of  the 
law,  but  the  righteousness  which  is  of  faith  ;  that  we  may 
know  him,  and  the  power  of  his  resurrection,  and  the  fel- 
lowship of  his  sufferings,  being  made  conformable  to  his 
death.'  " 

The  friends  here  inquire  after  you,  and  generally  want 
to  know  whether  I  intend  to  bring  you  into  the  circuit. 
Come,  my  dear,  a  pattern  of  all  plainness,  that  none  of 
Christ's  people  may  suffer  hurt  or  damage  by  our  bad  ex- 
ample. Oh,  how  cautiously  !  how  circumspectly  should  we 
walk,  so  as  to  please  God  in  all  things !  I  believe  the 
Lord  is  renewing  my  strength,  and  that  he  will  yet  do 
great  things  by  so  poor  an  instrument.  I  rejoice  that 
I  seem  to  have  that  very  work  to  do  that  suits  my  soul. 
Will  you  not  pray  that  I  may  be  faithful  and  successful 
in  the  discharge  thereof?  Come,  my  dear,  you  must  hold 
up  my  hands  by  your  prayers  and  supplications ;  and  be 
well  assured  that  I  have  you  daily  and  almost  hourly  in 
remembrance  before  the  throne  of  grace.  Are  you  pant- 
ing after  all  the  mind  that  was  in  Christ  ?  Can  you  say — 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


155 


"  Keep  mo  dead  to  all  below, 
Only  Christ  resolved  to  know ; 
Firm,  and  disengaged,  and  freo, 
Seeking  all  my  bliss  in  Thee  t" 

My  dear  wife,  this  is  possible,  though  you  have  a  dear  little 
Margaret  and  a  husband  to  love  and  think  of.  The  Lord 
teach  us  the  proper  mean,  and  may  we  be  sanctified  wholly 
throughout  spirit,  soul,  and  body. 

Tell  Sister  E.  that  I  hope  she  will  not  faint  or  tire  in 
her  mind ;  but  as  he  who  hath  called  her  is  holy,  so  may 
she  be  holy  in  all  manner  of  conversation.  Say  to  her, 
that  God  has  lately  loosed  my  bonds,  and  I  do  trust  that  I 
shall  not  give  up  the  hope  of  a  present  deliverance  from 
all  inbred  corruption.  I  trust  we  shall  all  yet  see  good 
days  in  the  land  of  the  living.  If  souls  shall  be  saved  and 
sanctified  on  this  circuit,  my  highest  wishes  will  all  be 
realized.  The  Lord  work  with  us,  is  my  prayer,  for  the 
licdeemer's  sake. 

I  called  to  see  a  newly-married  couple  this  morning,  not 
of  our  church ;  and  had  to  deal  quite  plainly  with  the  lady. 
She  appeared  to  take  it  well  for  the  time,  if  it  does  not 
smart  afterwards.  Oh  !  how  hard  to  tell  every  one  under 
our  care  what  we  see  wrong  about  them  !  But  you  may 
say  she  was  not  under  my  care.  But  she  is  an  immortal 
being ;  and  we  should  seek  the  profit  of  many  that  they 
may  be  saved. 

Since  I  came  into  this  circuit,  a  man  has  been  snatched 
off  in  the  strength  of  his  years,  who,  only  two  hours  before 
his  death  said,  to  one  of  our  members,  that  if  he  could  stay 
here  always  he  wanted  no  better  heaven.  Alas !  for  the 
poor  deluded  mortal.  Let  us  remember  the  Saviour's  ad- 
monition, "  Be  ye  also  ready." 

My  love  to  our  friends,  with  the  largest  portion  for 
yourself  and  our  dear  little  one. 

I  remain  your  affectionate  husband, 
John  W.  Cuilds. 

April  29th  he  writes  in  his  diary — and  it  is  his  last  entry 
for  nearly  two  months  following — "  Our  Lord  has  dealt 


156 


LIFE  OF  THE 


very  kindly  with  me  of  late.  My  soul  has  enjoyed  much 
love,  peace,  and  joy — indeed,  my  enjoyments  have  been 
superior  to  any  thing  I  have  known  heretofore.  My  affec- 
tions more  even,  and  my  peace  more  abiding.  0  Jesus, 
grant  me  grace  to  abide  in  thee  continually :  even  so,  Amen. 
Bless  my  dear  Martha  and  our  little  one." 

June  17th  he  adds — "  The  above  has  been,  in  the  gene- 
ral, my  experience.  But  oh  !  I  want  more  love,  more 
light,  more  zeal,  more  humility.  Lord,  give  for  Jesus' 
sake.  Amen." 

This  is  the  last  entry  until  the  month  of  October.  He 
almost  entirely  discontinued  writing  in  his  diary  from  this 
time  ;  but,  happily  for  us,  his  correspondence  is  abundant, 
and  furnishes  a  very  full  history  of  his  religious  experience. 
From  what  we  can  gather,  his  mind  seems  to  have  been  at 
rest  and  his  soul  constantly  filled  with  the  love  of  God. 
There  can  be  no  doubt  that  he  had  regained  the  state  of 
Christian  experience,  even  in  a  higher  degree,  for  which  he 
had  so  long  and  so  earnestly  prayed,  and  which  he  says  he 
enjoyed  for  several  months  while  on  the  Buckingham  circuit 
in  1832.  But  he  still  kept  up  his  habits  of  early  rising, 
private  prayer,  and  reading  the  Scriptures.  In  these  he 
never  relaxed,  until  the  end  of  his  journey. 

In  writing  to  his  old  friend  and  brother  in  the  gospel, 
the  Rev.  R.  G.  Bass,  under  date,  May  9th,  1835,  he  says — 
"  My  wife  has  just  got  to  her  home  in  the  circuit,  having 
rouained  with  her  sister,  in  Lynchburg,  a  month  or  two. 
We  are  well  pleased  with  our  field  of  labour,  and  hope  God 
will  give  us  to  see  the  prosperity  of  Zion.  *  *  *  * 

"  What  a  searching  question  is  that, '  Do  you  make  a  con- 
science of  executing  every  part  of  your  duty  V  It  is  im- 
portant, I  am  persuaded,  that  we  reduce  the  size  of  our 
classes  to  something  like  the  number  recommended  in  the 
Discipline.  This  would  increase  the  number  of  leaders, 
which  would  give  employment  to  many  persons  whose  ta- 
lents are  now  buried  or  rusting  out. 

"  What  a  work,  the  catechising  the  children  !  Sabbath- 
schools  cannot  do  our  work  :  let  us  be  workers  together 
with  them.    Prayer-meetings  should  not  be  neglected,  nor 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


157 


any  thing  that  will  quicken  our  people  in  the  race  of  faith 
and  love.  I  believe  the  Lord  is  deepening  bis  work  of 
grace  in  my  soul,  and  hope  that  I  shall  see  his  glory  yet 
before  I  depart  hence  and  am  seen  no  more  among  men." 

From  the  last  of  October  until  about  the  first  of  Janu- 
ary, Mr.  Childs  wrote  almost  daily  in  his  diary  ;  but  there 
is  very  little  that  would  interest  the  reader.  His  entries 
relate  principally  to  church  matters  on  his  circuit,  with 
occasional  references  to  his  religious  exercises,  which  seem 
to  have  continued  pretty  much  as  he  represents  them  to 
have  been  in  the  earlier  part  of  the  year. 

In  the  mouth  of  November  he  promised  to  make  a  visit 
to  his  old  friends  in  the  Albemarle  circuit;  but  something 
occurred  that  he  supposed  would  cause  a  disappointment. 
To  this  he  refers  in  a  letter  to  his  wife,  dated  Novem- 
ber 2d : — "  It  pleases  me  well  that  the  disappoint- 
ment takes  place  with  regard  to  the  Albemarle  trip.  I 
have  had  my  doubts  ever  since  I  promised  to  go,  whether 
it  were  the  better  way  for  me.  I  now  feel  myself  under 
no  further  obligations  to  go,  though  I  should  be  glad  to 
see  my  old  friends ;  yet  the  idea  of  neglecting  my  work 
is  painful  to  me."  In  this  letter  he  mentions  that  he  had 
held  some  prosperous  meetings  in  his  circuit,  at  which  a 
number  had  professed  conversion  ;  though  no  very  exten- 
sive and  general  revival  had  prevailed.  But,  for  what  had 
been  done,  he  thanked  God,  and  took  courage. 

He  made  the  trip  to  Albemarle,  however,  of  which  we 
find  the  following  account  in  his  diary : — 

"  Monday,  16th  Nov. — Started  for  an  appointment  in 
the  Albemarle  circuit — lost  my  way ;  and  after  stumbling 
in  the  dark  for  some  time,  found  myself  at  Bernley's  Mill, 
near  my  old  friend  and  acquaintance,  Win.  Goodman.  In 
my  wanderings  the  Lord  was  with  me,  and  the  darkness 
was  not  as  great  as  I  apprehended." 

"Nov.  lllh. — Started  for  Bingham's,  through  the  rain 
— did  not  get  to  the  appointment.  Preached  at  night — 
surely  God  gave  his  blessing ;  but  I  fear  no  permanent 


158 


LIFE  OF  THE 


good  was  done.  Preached  on  Wednesday,  17th.  Friday 
returned  home.  I  should  say,  upon  the  whole,  my  visit 
to  Albemarle,  I  fear,  was  not  according  to  the  order  of 
God." 

Speaking  of  one  of  his  village  appointments,  he  says : — 
"  Here,  some  of  the  brethren  have  been  going  to  the  show 
and  circus.  "We  gave  them  an  opportunity  of  confessing 
their  sins  to  the  church,  and  of  promising  amendment, — 
some  of  them  did  so,  frankly :  others  were  disposed  to 
offer  apologies,  and  some  remained  in  sullen  silence.  0 
Lord  our  God,  work  for  thine  own  glory,  and  by  thy  con- 
vincing Spirit  blow  upon  every  heart,  that  the  chaff  of 
sin — the  accursed  thing — may  be  destroyed." 

December  1st,  in  writing  to  his  wife,  he  says : — "  I  see 
the  necessity  of  trampling-  the  glory  of  this  world  under 
our  feet,  yet  more  and  more.  May  the  good  Lord  help 
us  in  this  work  of  faith,  'patience  of  hope,  and  labour  of 
love.'  My  dear  Martha,  I  exhort  you  to  be  firm.  All 
your  grace  will  be  tried.  '  Beware,  lest  you  also,  being 
led  away  by  the  error  of  the  wicked,  fall  from  your  own 
steadfastness.'  Your  husband  sees  but  one  way  to  heaven, 
and  that  the  u-ay  of  the  cross!  Oh  !  let  us  bear  this,  and 
all  shall  be  ours.  I  feel  that  God  is  with  me,  but  I  de- 
sire a  deeper  communion  with  him — yea,  closer  '  fellowship 
with  the  Father  and  the  Son.'  " 

Mr.  Childs  continued  to  fill  his  appointments  until  it 
was  time  for  him  to  leave  for  Conference.  The  year  had 
not  been  as  prosperous  as  he  had  hoped,  and  prayed  it 
might  be;  and  yet  he  had  cause  to  thank  God  that  he  had 
not  laboured  in  vain.  The  church  was  evidently  built  up 
under  his  pastoral  care  ;  and,  although  the  additions  were 
not  very  numerous,  he  left  the  circuit  in  a  healthy  condi- 
tion, and  with  its  forces  well  organized  to  push  the  battle 
of  God  to  the  gates  of  the  enemy. 

He  attended  the  Conference  which  held  its  session  in 
the  city  of  Norfolk,  February  1836.  The  author  remem- 
bers to  have  taken  tea  with  him  at  his  brother's  (Capt. 
William  Childs),  with  a  large  company  of  preachers,  and 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIirLDS. 


159 


other  friends,  among  whom  was  the  Rev.  R.  G.  Bass. 
These  hrcthren  gave  the  conversation  a  very  spiritual  turn  ; 
and  when  the  waiters  came  in  with  the  tea,  and  the  com- 
pany were  beginning  to  partake,  Mr.  Childs  stopped  them, 
by  quoting  the  remark  of  the  pious  Payson  on  a  similar 
occasion : — "  I  wonder  what  devil  invented  a  walking  sup- 
per, to  cheat  the  Lord  out  of  grace."  There  was  of  course 
a  pause,  whereupon  he  requested  Mr.  Bass  to  ask  a  bless- 
ing, which  he  did,  and  the  company  proceeded  with  their 
tea. 

From  this  Conference  Mr.  Childs  was  assigned  to  the 
Amelia  circuit,  lying  between  the  James  and  Appomattox 
rivers,  and  about  equidistant  from  the  city  of  Richmond 
and  the  town  of  Petersburg. 

AMELIA  CIRCUIT,  1836. 

On  the  Amelia  circuit  Mr.  Childs  displayed  the  same 
zeal  and  fidelity  in  the  prosecution'  of  his  high  vocation, 
that  had  marked  his  ministerial  life  on  other  appoint- 
ments. He  boarded  during  the  year  with  Mr.  Gustavus 
A.  Muir,  of  whose  family  he  speaks  in  the  highest  terms. 
Mrs.  Childs's  health  was  feeble,  and  as  he  was  necessarily 
absent  from  her  the  greater  part  of  his  time,  he  very 
highly  appreciated  the  kindness  and  attentions  which  they 
showed  to  her ;  and  he  took  frequent  occasion  in  his  cor- 
respondence to  record  his  grateful  remembrance  of  the 
Christian  and  courteous  hospitality  received  at  their  hands. 

His  labours  were  successful.  In  the  early  part  of  the 
year  he  records,  with  devout  thanksgivings  to  God,  the 
conversion  of  souls,  under  his  ministry.  He  found  it  ne- 
cessary to  execute  discipline  in  some  of  the  societies. 
This  was  painful  to  him ;  and  yet  he  did*  it  with  his  accus- 
tomed firmness,  keeping  the  fear  of  God  before  his  eyes, 
in  this  most  delicate  and  tender  operation. 

In  redemption  of  a  promise  previously  made,  and  for 
the  recruiting  of  the  enfeebled  health  of  his  wife,  he  made 
a  trip  to  Tennessee,  on  a  visit  to  Mrs.  Childs's  relations. 


160 


LIFE  OF  THE 


This  trip  occupied  several  weeks ;  and  on  his  return  to  his 
circuit  he  wrote  to  his  friend,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Bass,  in  which 
he  makes  some  mention  of  this  tour.  And  as  the  letter 
contains  several  things  of  interest,  relating  to  the  portion 
of  his  life  now  under  notice,  we  will  lay  it  before  the 
reader. 

Amelia  Circuit,  August  25th,  1836. 

Dear  Brother  Bass  : — I  was  pleased  to  hear  from 
you,  and  hope  that  this  will  find  you  still  holding  fast  the 
sure  foundation,  and  endeavouring  to  build  thereupon 
"gold,  silver,  and  precious  stones." 

I  see,  more  than  ever,  the  necessity  of  exercising  a 
wholesome  discipline  in  the  church,  separating  the  idle 
and  careless  from  among  us.  Oh  !  my  brother,  be  steady 
and  courageous  in  this  work,  and  God  will  bless  your  labours. 
We  are  not  what  we  formerly  were.  What  is  the  cause  ? 
We  have  slackened  the  reins  of  discipline  almost  altogether. 
By  his  assistance,  I  purpose  amending  from  this  very  hour. 
I  find  that  opposition  comes  down  like  a  hurricane ;  but 
you  know,  after  a  storm  there  is  usually  a  calm, — so  it  is 
not  the  dead  sea  of  Laodicean  formality,  I  shall  rejoice. 
God,  I  believe,  is  at  work,  healing  divisions  among  us — 
uniting  the  hearts  of  local  and  travelling  ministers — the 
hearts  of  the  faithful  are  encouraged — the  chaff,  I  think 
will  be  blown  off ;  and  I  hope  a  glorious  revival  of  religion 
will  take  place.  Let  us  fast,  pray,  and  groan  for  it,  that 
God  may  redeem  Israel  from  all  iniquity.  Even  so.  Amen. 
Come,  Lord  Jesus.  *  *  * 

I  would  advise  you  to  stand  fast  to  your  Bible,  and  in- 
quire for  the  old  paths — the  good  way,  that  you  may  walk 
therein.  The  days  are  coming  to  try  men's  souls,  and 
those  only  who  are  approved  will  stand.  God  grant  that 
you  and  I  may  be  of  that  number — nothing  but  grace — 
the  power  of  Christ  can  sustain  us. 

I  think  I  can  say  that  I  am  growing  in  grace — that  my 
purpose  is  to  sell  all  and  follow  Christ — to  count  all  things 
but  loss  for  the  excellency  of  his  knowledge. 

In  my  late  tour  I  had  many  heavy  conflicts  with  the 
enemy  of  my  soul.    I  know  not  that  I  conquered  in  every 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


161 


trial ;  but  blessed  be  God,  one  thing  he  gave,  for  which  I 
rejoice,  a  resolution  not  to  yield  though  beaten.  The  truth 
is,  I  believe  a  different  plan  should  have  been  adopted  by 
us — it  should  have  been  a  preaching  journey.  The  thought 
of  one's  going  seven  or  eight  hundred  miles,  and  only 
preaching  on  the  Sabbath,  whose  commission  is  to  1  go  into 
all  the  world  and  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature,'  is 
painful  to  me, — there  is  an  inconsistency  in  it ;  but  it  is 
past ;  and  I  bless  the  Lord  that  we  are  returned  in  peace, 
and  through  his  mercy  I  feel  like  engaging  afresh  in  the 
great  work — the  work  of  the  Lord.  Oh  !  for  an  humbler 
heart,  and  a  louder  song  of  praise  and  gratitude  to  God  for 
his  ten  thousand  mercies. 

We  have  had  some  souls  converted  on  the  circuit.  We 
must  root  up,  and  plant.  This  was  the  commission  given 
to  Jeremiah  the  prophet,  and  I  apprehend,  to  every  gospel 
minister. 

Let  us  cleave  closer  to  Jesus,  and  abide  in  him ;  in  his 
doctrine,  in  his  example,  in  his  atoning  blood,  and  above 
all  in  his  spirit.  Oh  !  that  the  mind  that  was  in  Christ  may 
be  found  in  us.  Nothing  short  of  this  will  prepare  us  for 
an  entrance  into  the  everlasting  kingdom  of  our  Lord  and 
Saviour,  Jesus  Christ.  May  we  be  ready  to  meet  him  with 
joy. 

Believe  me,  yours  affectionately, 

John  W.  Childs. 

About  the  same  time  that  he  wrote  the  above  he  address- 
ed a  letter  also  to  his  Lynchburg  correspondent,  from  which 
we  make  the  following  extract. 

"  I  think  God  is  renewing  my  soul  in  righteousness.  I 
have  been  benefited  by  reading,  lately,  selections  from  Mr. 
*  Wesley's  works,  by  Rev.  John  Hersey ;  and  also  the  life  of 
Be  Renty,  and  an  address  to  the  clergy  by  Mr.  Law.  All 
have  been  rendered  a  blessing  to  me.  God  is  confirming 
me  in  those  views  so  often  expressed  to  you ;  and  I  am  in 
confident  hope  that  I  shall  see  the  full  salvation  on  earth, 
and  then  enjoy  it  above. 

"  I  would  exhort  you  to  take  full  possession  of  the  promis- 
ed laud — the  Canaan  of  perfect  love.  The  way  of  self-de- 
u* 


162 


LIFE  OF  THE 


nial  is  the  high  road  to  it,  and  God  will  give  it  to  all  that 
seek  earnestly. 

"  Brother  Adams,  my  colleague,  has  had  some  revival  un- 
der his  ministry  on  the  circuit.  About  twenty  were  con- 
verted a  few  days  before  we  arrived.  Divine  power  seems 
to  attend  the  word.  The  hearts  of  many  appear  to  be 
quickened.  Much  discipline  to  be  attended  to.  May  God 
strengthen  us.  *  *  *  The  friends  are  very  kind  to  us — 
a  thousand  times  more  so  than  we  deserve.  My  health  is 
greatly  improved  since  returning  to  the  circuit." 

The  above  letters  pretty  fairly  indicate  the  state  of  Mr. 
Childs's  mind,  his  religious  experience,  and  the  condition 
of  the  church  on  the  Amelia  circuit  at  the  time  of  which 
we  are  now  writing. 

There  was  one  subject,  however,  in  relation  to  which  he 
spoke  but  little,  except  with  confidential  friends,  which  was 
a  source  of  considerable  anxiety  to  him  at  this  time,  and 
which  exerted  a  great  influence  upon  all  his  plans  for  the 
future  exercise  of  his  ministry. 

Mr.  Childs  was  a  great  friend  of  the  slaves  and  free 
people  of  colour  in  our  country.  He  availed  himself  of 
every  opportunity  to  instruct  them  in  the  plan  of  salvation, 
and  to  preach  the  gospel  to  them.  He  was  friendly  to  the 
Colonization  Society ;  and  looked  upon  the  efforts  making 
to  settle  a  colony  of  well  instructed  coloured  people  upon 
the  shores  of  Africa  as  the  most  likely  means  of  extending 
the  blessings  of  the  glorious  gospel  to  the  savages  of  the 
interior  of  that  great  continent.  He  took  occasion  there- 
fore to  advocate  the  claims  of  the  Colonization  Society,  and 
to  turn  the  attention  of  such  persons  as  were  likely  to  be 
benefited  by  a  removal  to  Liberia  to  the  subject  of  emi- 
gration. In  this  matter  he  seems  sometimes  to  have  been 
misapprehended, — his  motives  were  impugned ;  and  his 
friendship  for  the  Colonization  cause  was  construed  into  a 
kind  of  abolitionism  ;  and  this  led  to  remarks  and  surmises 
that  were  not  the  most  agreeable  to  him.  The  fact  is,  Mr. 
Childs  felt  that  there  was  an  impediment  to  the  full  and 
satisfactory  discharge  of  his  ministerial  function  towards 
this  portion  of  our  population,  and  he  began  seriously  to 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


108 


meditate  a  removal  to  a  state  in  which  no  such  impediment, 
as  he  believed,  existed.  To  this  he  refers  in  the  following 
letter. 

Amelia  Circuit,  Va.  Conference,  October  31st,  1836. 

My  Dear  Sister  : — I  was  sorry  to  hear  of  jour  afflic- 
tions. If  the  Lord  chastens  you  sore,  we  pray,  if  it  be 
best,  that  none  of  you  may  be  delivered  over  to  death. 
His  will,  in  all  things,  should  be  embraced  as  best  for  us. 
The  readiest  way  to  get  rid  of  afflictions,  Mr.  Wesley  says, 
is  "  to  be  willing  to  bear  them  as  long  as  God  sees  fit  to 
send  them."  I  know  it  requires  no  small  portion  of  grace 
to  do  this ;  but  there  is  quite  a  sufficiency  in  the  wounds 
of  Jesus,  and  I  suppose  the  reason  why  we  are  not  armed 
for  every  trial  is  because  we  forget  "  the  Apostle  and  High 
Priest  of  our  profession,  Jesus  Christ."  "  Without  me," 
says  the  blessed  Saviour,  "ye  can  do  nothing,"  and  how 
often  do  we  find  the  truth  of  this  declaration.  But  a  be- 
lieving look  to  Jesus  will  frequently  put  all  our  foes  to 
flight.  Oh  !  may  you  and  I  be  able  to  look  until  his 
blood  makes  us  perfect.  Let  us  not  dare  to  doubt  of  its 
virtue  ;  even  to-day,  he  offers  to  make  us  every  whit  whole. 
Lord,  what  are  we  waiting  for  ?  Jesus,  master,  speak  but 
the  word  and  the  work  shall  be  done.  I  sincerely  pray 
that  God  may  be  with  you  of  a  truth,  and  that  his  light 
may  continually  shine  upon  your  tabernacle. 

And,  my  dear  sister,  among  other  things,  try  to  pay 
special  attention  to  the  children.  Much  devolves  upon 
you  in  this  important  department  of  usefulness.  "  Train 
them  up  in  the  way  they  should  go,"  and  God  will  cer- 
tainly bless  your  efforts,  and  give  additional  comfort  to 
your  own  soul. 

I  more  and  more  see  that  the  world  lieth  in  wickedness, 
and  trust,  through  grace,  that  I  have  gained  some  victories 
over  it  since  we  parted ;  but  I  am  far,  very  far  deficient 
yet.  But  I  feel  God  is  with  me,  unworthy  as  I  am,  and 
my  purpose  still  is  "  to  know  nothing  but  Jesus,  and  him 
crucified !" 

Since  returning  from  the  west,  I  have  again  had  my 
difficulties  on  the  old  subject — one  that  we  have  frequently 


164 


LIFE  OP  THE 


conversed  about.  *  *  *  We  have  been  strongly  ex- 
ercised about  going  to  a  different  section.  I  pray  that  the 
great  Head  of  the  church  may  direct  us. 

I  see  in  a  measure  the  necessity  of  self-denial,  and  bear- 
ing our  daily  cross ;  but  oh  !  how  nature  revolts.  If,  how- 
ever, the  prize  would  be  obtained,  offending  nature  must 
be  bound  to  the  cross  of  the  Saviour.  Lord,  help  us  to 
understand  this  doctrine,  and  help  us  to  practise  it  con- 
stantly. 

We  are  not  doing  a  great  deal  here  in  the  church.  We 
are  trying  to  purge  out  the  old  leaven.  What  wisdom  is 
necessary  to  do  this  effectually,  and  yet  mildly.    *    *  * 

And  now  may  God,  only  wise,  be  with  you,  and  be  your 
portion  for  ever,  is  the  prayer  of  your  affectionate  friend 
and  brother,  John  W.  Childs. 

In  addition  to  the  "  old  difficulties,"  alluded  to  above, 
there  were  others,  growing  out  of  some  unfortunate  con- 
troversies in  the  Conference  to  which  he  belonged,  that  led 
Mr.  Childs  to  look  to  some  other  section  of  the  work  as  the 
future  field  for  the  exercise  of  his  ministry.  The  unsettled 
state  of  his  mind,  at  this  time,  doubtless  interfered  with 
the  success  of  his  labours.  There  was  no  extensive  revival 
of  religion  on  his  circuit,  though  the  church  was  greatly 
edified,  and  its  permanent  prosperity  promoted  by  his  mi- 
nistry and  pastoral  oversight. 

His  closing  labours  on  the  circuit  were  interrupted  by  a 
protracted  and  severe  attack  of  illness  which  befel  Mrs. 
Childs,  and  from  which  she  barely  recovered.  During  the 
more  critical  part  of  her  sickness  his  time  was  necessarily 
occupied  with  her,  and  he  was  therefore  unable  to  pay  that 
attention  to  his  appointments  which  under  other  circum- 
stances he  would  have  done.  Writing  to  his  friend,  Jan. 
10th,  1837,  he  uses  the  following  language  in  reference  to 
this  affliction. 

"  We  have  a  thousand  reasons  to  return  thanks  to  God 
that  Martha's  life  is  spared,  and  that  she  is  able  to  go 
about  her  room.  We  feel  filled  with  gratitude  for  the  con- 
cern manifested  in  your  letter  for  her  welfare;  and  as  the 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


165 


Lord  first  requires  a  ready  mind,  and  it  is  then  acceptable 
according  to  what  we  have,  and  not  according  to  what  we 
have  not ;  no  doubt  but  with  him  the  will  will  be  taken 
for  the  deed,  and  consequently  you  will  not  lose  your  re- 
ward.   I  pray  this  may  be  so. 

"  Xot  much  doing  on  the  circuit.  I  had  filled  my  ap- 
pointments for  several  weeks  until  last  Saturday,  when  I 
was  prevented  by  the  inclemency  of  the  weather.  So  last 
Sabbath  was  spent  at  Brother  Muir's,  the  brother  with 
whom  we  board,  and  I  hope  not  in  vain.  We  called  the 
coloured  people  and  family  together,  and  tried  to  speak  to 
them  ;  and  nearly  if  not  all  were  bathed  in  tears. 

"  Our  friends  here  have  been  truly  kind  to  us,  during 
the  day  of  our  affliction.  The  physicians  attended  her  day 
and  night,  with  every  mark  of  respect  and  affection,  gratis, 
and  the  neighbours  came  in  timely  to  the  assistance  of  the 
family.  Sister  T.,  Sister  B.  &c,  assisted.  May  the  Lord 
reward  all  for  their  kindness." 

In  the  letter  from  which  the  above  extract  is  made,  he 
again  speaks  of  the  probability  of  his  obtaining  a  transfer, 
at  the  ensuing  session  of  the  Conference,  to  some  other  por- 
tion of  his  Master's  vineyard.  And  yet  he  appears  unde- 
termined as  to  what  course  he  would  adopt.  In  reference 
to  this  he  says,  "  Our  thoughts  lead  us  in  the  same  di- 
rection as  mentioned  some  time  since.  Ob  !  may  the  great 
Head  of  the  church  guide  us  aright  in  this,  and  every  other 
matter."  He  then  adds,  "  My  progress  in  the  Divine  life 
is  not  as  swift  as  I  could  desire.  Somewhat  faint  at  times, 
though -still  pursuing." 

It  is  obvious  from  Mr.  Childs's  correspondence,  at  this 
time,  that  he  was  not  content  with  his  position;  but  we 
must  wait  for  future  developments  to  furnish  a  more  satis- 
factory explanation  of  this  state  of  his  mind. 

He  closed  his  year's  labours  on  the  Amelia  circuit,  and 
went  up  to  the  Conference  held  in  the  month  of  February 
1837,  in  the  town  of  Petersburg,  Virginia.  From  this 
Conference  he  was  appointed  to  the  Prince  Edward  circuit, 
lying  between  the  towns  of  Petersburg  and  Lynchburg. 


1G6 


LIFE  OF  THE 


CHAPTER  XII. 

PRINCE  EDWARD  CIRCUIT.  1837-38. 

Failure  to  get  a  transfer — Reception  on  his  circuit — Fall  from  his  horse 
— Injury — How  he  bears  it — Confined  several  weeks — Diary — Letters 
— Great  revival  commences — Anecdote — Always  about  his  Master's 
■work — Attends  Conference — Returned  to  Prince  Edward  circuit — 
Letter  to  Mr.  Bass — Religious  experience  unsatisfactory  to  himself — 
Year  closes — Mr.  Bass's  death — Detained  from  Conference — Mr. 
Redd's  recollections  of  Mr.  Childs — Appointed  to  the  Bedford  circuit. 

Immediately  on  the  adjournment  of  Conference,  Mr. 
Childs  wrote  a  letter  to  his  friend  in  Lynchburg,  in  which 
he  speaks  of  his  failure  to  obtain  the  transfer  desired, 
and  quietly  acquiesces  in  what  seemed  to  be  the  order  of 
Providence  in  reference  to  his  appointment.  We  make  a 
single  extract  from  this  letter,  which  will  answer  our  pur- 
pose in  this  connection. 

"  I  have  just  returned  from  a  tedious  Conference,  where 
much  was  done  and  said  that  I  judge  had  better  not  have 
been  performed.  In  accordance  with  my  former  sugges- 
tion, I  asked  for  a  transfer ;  but  there  were  difficulties  in 
getting  it  in  the  direction  I  wished  to  go.  The  Bishop's 
advice  to  me,  was  to  stay  here  a  year  longer,  which  I  was 
disposed  to  do,  as  the  providential  way  seemed  not  yet  to 
be  open.  In  the  matter  of  my  appointment,  I  endeavoured 
to  leave  it  all  in  the  hands  of  our  kind  heavenly  Father, 
being  willing  to  go  wherever  the  providence  of  God  might 
appoint. 

"  Our  lot,  as  you  doubtless  have  heard,  has  come  out  for 
Prince  Edward  circuit.  Oh,  may  the  Lord  give  us  favour 
and  success  in  the  eyes  of  the  people  !  Though  I  find  it 
is  really  good  for  my  soul  to  be  despised,  to  be  neglected, 
to  be  '  little  and  unknown,  prized  and  loved  by  God  alone.' 
It  is  good  for  the  healing  of  the  distemper  that  I  naturally 


KEV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


107 


labour  under.  I  mean  pride,  and  vain  glory.  If  this 
were  only  cured,  I  doubt  not  that  every  grace,  and  every 
virtue,  would  appear  in  due  time. 

"I  see,  sister  E.,  more  and  more,  that  holy  tempers, 
the  mind  which  was  in  Christ,  is  the  very  thing  which 
we  neglect;  while  shadows  and  phantoms  are  eagerly 
sought  after ;  honour,  admiration,  and  the  esteem  of  men 
are  vehemently  pursued." 

Mr.  Childs  had  a  great  many  friends  and  acquaintances 
on  the  Prince  Edward  circuit,  and  he  received  a  most  cor- 
dial welcome  when  he  entered  upon  his  work.  Just  after 
his  arrival  on  the  circuit,  and  before  his  family  was  settled 
for  the  year,  he  writes  :  "  My  prayer  is  that  our  coming 
may  be  made  a  blessing.  I  pray  that  the  Lord  wouk" 
correct  whatever  is  amiss  in  me,  and  prepare  me  unto 
every  good  word  and  work.  He  alone  can  sustain  and 
preserve  me.  May  he  give  me  a  right  judgment  in  all 
things,  that  I  may  yet  be  rendered  useful.  To  live  with- 
out advancing  the  cause  for  which  the  Saviour  bled,  is 
painful  indeed.  I  am  frequently  made  to  cry  out,  <I 
would  not  live  alway.'  There  is  so  much  strife,  commo- 
tion, and  confusion  in  the  world,  it  is  enough  to  make  us 
say, 

'  Who,  who  would  live  alway,  away  from  his  God, 
Away  from  yon  heaven,  that  blissful  abode  V 

May  the  Lord  prepare  me  for  its  enjoyment,  and  give  me 
grace  to  say,  while  in  this  world, 

'Give  joy  or  grief,  give  ease  or  pain, 

Take  life  or  friends  away ; 
But  let  me  find  them  all  again, 
In  that  eternal  day.' " 

Mr.  Childs  succeeded,  at  an  early  day,  in  getting  his 
family  comfortably  located  on  the  circuit,  in  the  family  of 
his  esteemed  friend,  John  W.  Redd,  Esq.  His  mind  was 
then  at  rest,  and  he  felt  prepared  to  enter  on  his  regular 
work,  with  a  good  heart,  and  an  humble  trust  in  God  for 
success  in  his  labours.  But  on  returning  from  his  first 
appointment,  he  was  suddenly  arrested  by  a  casualty  that 
laid  him  up  for  six  weeks.    His  horse  took  fright,  and 


L68 


LIFE  OF  THE 


ran  away  with  him,  and  throw  him  with  such  violence  as 
to  fracture  his  shoulder.  In  this  condition  he  was  taken 
to  a  neighbouring  house,  where  medical  aid  was  called  in, 
and  every  thing  was  done  that  kindness  could  devise  to 
alleviate  his  sufferings,  and  hasten  his  recovery.  In  about 
ten  days  he  was  removed  to  Mr.  Redd's,  where  he  gradu- 
ally grew  better,  until  he  was  able  again  to  recommence 
his  appointments.  He  seems  not  to  have  been  moved  by 
this  affliction;  but  was  strong  in  faith,  giving  glory  to 
God.  When  he  had  so  far  recovered,  as  to  be  able  to  use 
his  arm,  he  made  the  following  entry  in  his  diary. 

"  March  6th,  1837.— My  horse  took  fright  on  the  after- 
noon of  this  date,  and  after  running  some  short  distance 
threw  me,  and  as  it  has  been  supposed,  broke  my  shoulder 
near  the  joint.  Oh  Lord,  how  unsearchable  are  thy  judg- 
ments !  Yet  Lord,  I  bow,  and  acknowledge  thee  just. 
Oh,  lead  me  and  teach  me  !  This  affliction  has  confined  me 
from  preaching  six  weeks,  with  the  exception  of  two  ser- 
mons preached  at  my  lodgings  at  Bro.  John  W.  Redd's." 

Mr.  Redd  thus  speaks  of  him  during  the  period  of  his 
confinement  in  his  house,  from  this  accident.  "  He  con- 
versed with  every  one  who  visited  him,  on  the  subject  of 
religion ;  and  no  doubt  was,  during  the  time  of  his  con- 
finement, instrumental  in  preparing  the  way  for  the  glo- 
rious revival  of  religion,  which  began  almost  immediately 
after  he  got  about  his  work.  Indeed,  he  was  about  his 
Master's  work  all  the  time  of  his  detention  from  his  stated 
appointments.  He  was  visited  by  a  great  many  persons, 
and  he  never  parted  with  any  of  them  without  prayer; 
taking  occasion  to  converse  with  each  one  on  personal  re- 
ligion, and  giving  such  advice  as  each  one's  case  seemed 
to  require.  These  conversations  made  a  deep  and  lasting 
impression  upon  the  minds  of  Christians  and  sinners. 
There  was  something  in  his  manner  and  spirit,  that  seemed 
so  clearly  to  evince  the  power  of  religion,  that  it  was  im- 
possible not  to  feel  the  force  of  what  he  said.  And  while 
his  friends  were  fearful  he  never  would  use  his  arm  again, 
he  gave  up  all  into  the  hands  of  God,  and  set  his  mind 
upon  the  work  of  saving  souls. 


REV.  JOIIN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


169 


"While  he  was  confined,  he  took  medicine  for  the  im- 
provement of  his  general  health,  and  he  rapidly  gained 
in  flesh,  and  improved  in  complexion ;  and  when  he  was 
so  far  recovered  as  to  commence  preaching  again,  he  looked 
better  than  I  ever  saw  him.  During  the  whole  time,  he 
was  very  cheerful,  and  when  he  began  to  use  his  arm,  he 
was  devoutly  thankful." 

To  his  Lynchburg  correspondent,  he  thus  writes  in  re- 
lation to  this  affliction : 

April  3d,  1837. 

My  Dear  Sister  : — How  mysterious  are  the  ways  of 
Providence !  You  have  doubtless  heard,  'ere  the  present, 
of  the  dealings  of  an  all-wise  God  with  me.  I  desire  to 
bow  to  his  authority,  and  humble  myself  in  dust  and  ashes 
before  him ;  and  if  it  shall  be  made  the  means,  in  any  de- 
gree, of  improving  my  condition,  spiritually  or  temporally, 
I  shall  say  with  David,  "  It  is  good  for  me  to  have  beeu 
afflicted."  This  is  the  fourth  time  I  have  attempted  to 
write  since  my  fall.  Oh  !  how  thankful  should  I  be  that 
God  has  permitted  me  thus  far  to  recover  my  strength ; 
though  it  is  yet  somewhat  doubtful  with  me  whether  1 
shall  again  have  the  free  u.<e  of  my  arm  and  shoulder.  I 
now  know  by  experience  what  it  is  for  the  "right  hand  to 
forget  her  cunning."  O  help  me  to  pray  that  I  may  not 
be  blind  to  the  intentions  of  a  wise  Providence.  He  has 
surely  been  with  me  in  my  afflictions.  Oh,  that  I  could 
suitably  praise  him  for  temporal  and  spiritual  blessings  ! 
Oh,  when  shall  I  sink  to  perfection's  height,  the  depth  of 
humble  love  !    Lord  hasten  the  time. 

April  iiih. — Praise  to  our  God  !  my  shoulder  and  arm 
continue  to  strengthen,  and  I  hope  my  general  health  im- 
proves. Let  us  firmly  rest  in  God,  and  in  all  our  ways 
acknowledge  him;  believing  if  health  be  best  for  us  he 
will  give  it  to  us;  if  otherwise,  let  us  say,  "The  will  of 
the  Lord  be  done."  Yours  affectionately, 

John  W.  Childs. 


To  the  same  he  writes  : — 


170 


LIFE  OF  THE 


May  3d,  1837. 

My  Dear  Sister  : — Our  first  quarterly  meeting  is  over ; 
but  it  was  not  convenient  for  me  to  attend  in  consequence 
of  my  affliction.  I  hear,  however,  that  there  was  quite  an 
interesting  time.  We  are  anxiously  longing  and  looking 
for  the  conversion  of  souls,  and  hope  we  shall  not  be  dis- 
appointed. God  has  promised  that  his  "  glory  shall  fill 
the  earth,"  and,  I  verily  believe,  if  we  live  and  pray  as 
we  should,  it  will  take  place.  "  Ye  that  make  mention  of 
the  Lord,"  saith  the  prophet,  "give  him  no  rest."  Oh  ! 
let  us  then  be  instant  in  season  and  out  of  season,  and  he 
will  accomplish  what  he  has  promised.  I  hope  you  are  in 
vigorous  stretch  for  the  land  of  Canaan.  "  What  is  there 
here  that  deserves  our  joys  V  The  world  is  all  a  delusive 
dream — nay,  a  cheat ;  let  us  then  put  it  down,  and  keep  it 
completely  under  our  feet.  Jesus  is  surely  able  to  do  all 
things  for  us ;  and  if  we  will  take  his  easy  yoke  upon  us, 
we  shall  most  assuredly  find  rest  to  our  souls.  I  bless  the 
Lord  for  my  affliction,  and  believe  it  has  been  of  real  ser- 
vice to  me.  Oh  !  may  he  give  me  wisdom  to  reap  the  full 
benefit  therefrom.  Yours  truly, 

John  W.  Childs. 

When  Mr.  Childs  was  able  at  last  to  travel  round  his 
circuit  and  meet  his  appointments,  he  came  to  his  people 
"  in  the  fulness  of  the  blessing  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ." 

He  seemed  better  prepared  for  his  ministerial  labours, 
bodily  and  spiritually,  than  before  his  afflictions.  The 
word  of  God  dispensed  by  him  was  now  attended  by  an 
unusual  Divine  energy,  and  the  work  of  revival  commenced 
with  tremendous  power.  It  spread  from  appointment  to 
appointment,  until  the  whole  circuit  was  brought  under  its 
delightful  influence.  This  gracious  work  revived  the  heart 
and  enlisted  all  the  energies  of  Mr.  Childs.  He  laboured 
from  morning  till  night,  and  from  house  to  house,  and 
wherever  he  went  souls  were  converted  to  God.  At  the 
second  quarterly  meeting  held  for  the  circuit,  in  the  month 
of  July,  "between  sixty  and  seventy,"  he  says,  professed 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


171 


conversion.  The  week  following,  he  adds — "  The  Lord 
broke  in  upon  a  company  of  school-children  that  attended 
our  services,  and  seven  were  converted  ;  and,  the  Sabbath 
following,  two  more  of  the  same  schooL" 

From  this  time,  he  seems  to  have  been  a  new  man  in 
some  respects.  He  was  evidently  better  satisfied  with  his 
position  and  field  of  labour,  and  seemed  to  think  that  God 
bad  given  his  sanction  to  his  ministry.  The  revival  in- 
creased ;  and,  durirag  the  year,  it  is  believed  not  less  than 
five  hundred  souls  were  converted.  In  the  month  of  Sep- 
tember, at  the  third  quarterly-meeting  for  the  circuit,  held 
by  the  lamented  Dr.  Abram  Penn,  who  was  presiding 
elder  of  the  district,  a  powerful  work  broke  out  in  a  neigh- 
bourhood which,  up  to  that  time,  had  remained  cold  and 
unmoved.  The  community  were  wealthy  and  worldly- 
sninded,  and  but  few  in  the  neighbourhood  were  pious. 
But  God  sent  his  Spirit  upon  them,  and  their  hearts  turned 
to  him  as  the  streams  of  the  south.  It  was  like  life  from 
the  dead.  One  wealthy,  thoughtless  sinner  who  lived  in 
this  neighbourhood,  hearing  of  the  appointment  for  a  pro- 
tracted meeting  to  be  held  at  the  church,  which  was  but  a 
mile  or  two  from  his  residence,  remarked,  that  he  had 
heard  for  some  time  of  the  revival  that  was  going  on  in  the 
county ;  and  that  he  supposed  the  preachers  were  going  to 
move  it  close  to  him ;  and,  if  they  did,  he  intended  to  get 
converted.  This  he  said  in  a  jest ;  but  it  turned  out  to  be 
true.  He  was  among  the  first  who  were  cut  to  the  heart, 
and  one  of  the  first  to  bear  his  testimony  that  God  for 
Christ's  sake  had  pardoned  his  sins ;  and  no  one  was  more 
active  or  more  successful  than  he,  during  the  revival,  in 
leading  the  sinners  of  that  neighbourhood  to  the  foot  of 
the  cross. 

There  were  large  accessions  to  the  church  during  the 
progress  of  this  good  work  of  grace  on  the  circuit;  and  in 
every  neighbourhood  Mr.  Childs  was  beloved  and  venerated 
for  his  piety  and  works'  sake.  He  still  continued  the  same 
conscientious,  scrupulous  Christian  that  we  have  seen  him 
in  previous  years  of  his  ministry. 

In  the  town  of  Farmville,  which  was  then  included  in 


172 


LIFE  OF  THE 


the  Prince  Edward  circuit,  there  was  a  most  extensive  re- 
vival and  a  very  large  addition  to  the  church.  Mr.  Childs 
participated  largely  in  the  labours  of  this  meeting;  and 
the  young  converts  and  church  members,  as  a  token  of 
their  regard  for  Mr.  Childs  personally,  and  as  an  expres- 
sion of  their  high  appreciation  of  his  services  among  them, 
presented  him  with  a  costly  suit  of  clothes,  which  he  de- 
clined accepting ;  assigning  as  the  reason  for  declining, 
that  he  could  not  consent  to  wear  so  fine  a  suit  of  clothes 
himself,  though  a  present,  while  he  felt  called  on,  as  a 
faithful  minister  of  the  New  Testament,  to  preach  against 
extravagance  and  costliness  of  apparel.  He  consented  to 
receive  a  present  of  equal  value  in  some  other  form ;  but 
he  could  not  be  induced  to  wear  a  fine  and  expensive  coat. 
The  revival  continued  until  the  approach  of  winter. 

November 23d,  1837,  he  writes  to  a  friend:  "The  work 
of  the  Lord  still  goes  on  in  some  parts  of  our  circuit, 
though  not  so  swiftly.  Those  parts  that  appeared  barren 
in  the  first  part  of  the  year,  now  seem  to  be  visited.  May 
the  Holy  Spirit  give  us  wisdom  to  lead  the  people  in  the 
right  path. 

"We  are  still  at  brother  Kedd's.  Some  of  the  servants 
have  professed  religion,  and  all,  perhaps,  that  are  grown 
are  inquiring  the  way." 

Mr.  Childs  always  made  it  a  point  to  instruct  the  child- 
ren and  servants  in  the  families  where  he  visited ;  and  he 
never  seemed  content  while  any  member  of  the  family  re- 
mained unconverted.  The  good  Lord  only  knows  how 
many  were  led  to  the  Saviour  by  the  private  admonitions, 
and  godly  instructions  of  this  holy  minister  of  Jesus  Christ. 
He  was  always  about  his  master's  work.  He  permitted  no 
day  to  pass  without  an  effort  to  save  a  soul.  He  was  not 
content  to  preach  so  many  sermons,  lead  so  many  classes, 
and  formally  to  visit  a  few  families  in  his  charge  ;  but  with 
a  heart  deeply  impressed  with  the  importance  of  his  mis- 
sion, he  was  instant  in  season,  out  of  season ;  and  every- 
where, by  day  and  by  night,  and,  "from  house  to  house," 
he  was  engaged  in  warning  sinners,  and  leading  inquirers 
to  Jesus.    He  closed  his  labours  for  the  year ;  and  from 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CH1LDS. 


173 


the  Conference,  held  February  1838,  in  the  city  of  Rich- 
mond, he  was  returned  to  the  Prince  Edward  circuit  for 
the  ensuing  year.  This  was  gratifying  to  himself  and  to 
the  circuit.  Indeed,  at  that  time,  no  one  could  have  sup- 
plied his  place.  He  was  early  at  his  appointments,  vigi- 
lantly attending  to  the  young  converts,  and  training  them 
up  for  usefulness  in  the  church.  He  watched  over  them 
with  a  father's  care,  and  was  ever  ready  to  solve  their 
doubts,  to  sympathize  with  them  under  sore  temptations, 
and  guide  their  feet  into  the  paths  of  righteousness. 

During  the  severity  of  the  winter  but  little  could  be 
done  in  preaching  at  the  regular  appointments ;  but  he 
took  care  to  supply  this  lack  of  public  service  by  holding 
prayer  meetings  in  private  houses ;  and  availing  himself  of 
all  suitable  opportunities  of  instructing  the  families  as  he 
visited  among  his  people.  His  influence  was  powerfully 
felt  upon  the  whole  community.  It  was  not  confined  to 
his  own  church,  but  other  denominations  flocked  to  hear 
him  preach,  and  acknowledged  the  influence  of  his  example, 
and  of  his  heart-searching  manner  of  expounding  the  Scrip- 
tures, in  leading  them  to  a  closer  walk  with  Christ,  and  to 
greater  circumspection  of  conduct  in  their  daily  deport- 
ment. 

April  7th  1838,  he  writes:  "This  day  I  have  completed 
the  first  regular  round  on  the  circuit,  and  desire  to  praise 
the  Lord  for  his  assisting  grace.  We  have  seen  no  un- 
common displays  of  divine  goodness,  but  many  I  hope  are 
endeavouring  to  put  on  the  whole  armour  of  God ;  and, 
perhaps,  with  few  exceptions,  all  are  pleased  with  our  re- 
turn. I  feel  encouraged,  from  the  consideration  that  no 
steps  were  taken  on  my  part  to  procure  it.  May  the  Lord 
grant  that  our  second  coming  may  be  made  a  blessing.  I 
feel  truly  thankful  that  the  good  Lord  has  so  far  permitted 
me  to  pass  without  a  similar  affliction  to  the  one  that  befel 
me  last  year.  Oh  !  may  I  be  more  grateful  to  him  than 
heretofore.  It  is  with  fear  and  trembling  that  I  commence 
the  labours  of  this  circuit  for  another  year ;  and  but  for 
the  consciousness  that  it  was  not  my  own  procuring,  my 
hands  would  hang  down.    May  we  not  be  as  'salt  that  has 


174 


LIFE  OP  THE 


lost  its  savor.'  My  soul  still  follows  hard  after  the  Lord, 
though  I  am  perfectly  ashamed  of  my  many  inconsisten- 
cies. I  believe  there  is  no  other  way  to  heaven  for  me 
than  through  the  crucifixion  of  the  flesh.  May  the  Lord 
give  me  strength  that  I  may  hold  on  my  way,  and  not  faint 
or  be  discouraged.  I  would  be  by  myself  abhorred,  and 
give  all  glory  to  God." 

Shortly  after  the  above  he  wrote  to  his  friend,  the  Rev. 
R.  G.  Bass,  who  was  at  that  time  travelling  the  Greens- 
ville circuit,  where  they  had,  a  few  years  previous,  labour- 
ed together.    We  give  the  letter  entire. 

Prince  EJirard  Circuit,  April  23,  1833. 

Dear  Brother  Bass  : — I  hope  this  may  find  you  and 
yours  well,  and  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  life  of  God  in  your 
souls.  Oh  !  may  he  be  with  you  to  do  you  good,  both  for 
time  and  for  eternity.  Through  his  amazing  mercy  we 
are  still  alive,  and  endeavouring  'through  faith  and  patience 
to  inherit  the  promises we  are  likewise  trying  to  scatter 
the  seeds  of  the  word  of  life  among  our  perishing  fellow 
creatures.  Oh!  may  he  who  multiplied  the  loaves  and  fishes, 
multiply  the  seed  sown,  and  abundantly  increase  the  fruits 
of  righteousness.  My  health  is  tolerably  good,  and  also 
the  health  of  our  people.  We  have  seen  some  tokens  for 
good,  and  pray  that  it  may  be  but  the  promise  of  an  abun- 
dant shower.  I  hope  sincerely  that  the  good  Lord  is 
opening  your  mouth  to  speak  his  word  boldly,  as  we  ought 
to  speak  ;  and  that  you  may  have  good  and  glorious  times 
on  your  circuit  this  year. 

Oh  !  brother  B., 

'  Let  us  stir  each  other  up, 

Our  faith  by  works  to  approve; 
By  holy,  purifying  hope, 

And  the  sweet  tusk  of  love.' 

My  soul  desires  more  and  more  of  the  image  of  God. 
Oh  !  may  he  stamp  me  with  his  Holy  Spirit's  seal.  I 
trust  you  are  hungering  and  thirsting  after  righteousness; 
and  that  sister  B.  is  pressing  on  with  you  in  the  same 
heavenly  course.    Please  let  me  hear  how  you  are  pro- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


175 


grossing  ?  What  the  Lord  is"  doing  in  you,  by  you,  and 
through  you  ?  Remember  me  affectionately  to  our  old 
companions  in  tribulation.  May  the  Lord  be  with  them 
and  abundantly  bless  them,  and  help  them  on  their  journey 
to  heaven.  I  would  name  some,  but  forbear  lest  others 
should  think  themselves  slighted.  May  the  choicest  bless- 
ings of  heaven  rest  upon  you. 

Affectionately  yours  in  Christ, 

John.  W.  Childs. 

To  the  same,  Mr.  Childs  writes,  July  3d,  1833 :  "  At 
some  places  on  the  circuit  there  is  yet  some  interest,  and 
we  are  trying  to  enforce  discipline ;  but  I  fear  that  '  ini- 
quity abounds,  and  the  love  of  many  waxes  cold.'  Much 
of  the  cause  of  this  state  of  things,  I  fear,  exists  in  myself. 
Oh  !  what  a  poor  inconstant  worm  am  I.  No  :  I  have 
not  faithfully  and  patiently  borne  the  cross,  but  have 
shamefully  turned  to  some  things,  from  which  God  had 
wholly  delivered  me,  as  though  there  were  some  real  good 
in  the  poor  toys  of  time  and  sense — such  as  are  calcu- 
lated to  please  the  eyes  of  poor  mortals.  If,  after  we  have 
escaped  the  pollutions  of  the  world  by  the  knowledge  of  our 
Lord  and  Saviour,  we  are  again  entangled  and  overcome, 
the  last  end  is  worse  than  the  first.  Pray  brother  13.  that 
this  may  not  be  my  case ;  but  that  through  grace  I  may 
obtain  the  victory  and  follow  it  up  until '  glory  crown  what 
grace  began.'  God  is,  however,  still  with  me,  I  trust,  in  the 
midst  of  all  my  unfaithfulness.  I  feel  that  he  deals  kindly 
with  me ;  far  more  than  I  deserve.  *  *  *  If  we  are 
not  exceedingly  careful,  our  hearts  are  prone  to  betray  us 
into  an  improper  compliance  with  the  customs  of  the  age 
in  which  we  live.  May  the  Lord  preserve  us  by  bis  grace. 
1  thank  you  for  the  suggestion  in  relation  to  this  subject ; 
and  beseech  you  to  deal  plainly  with  me.  '  Let  the  right- 
eous smite  me ;  it  shall  be  a  kindness  :  and  let  him  re- 
prove me;  it  shall  be  an  excellent  oil,  which  shall  not 
break  my  head.  I  hope  my  heart  says  to  God  and  man, 
u  Search  me  and  try  me,  and  see  if  there  be  any  wicked  way 
in  me,  and  lead  me  in  the  way  everlastiug.'  " 


176 


LIFE  OF  THE 


As  the  summer  advanced  there  were  some  seasons  of  re- 
freshing from  the  presence  of  the  Lord  on  various  parts  of 
the  circuit,  and  a  considerable  number  of  persons  professed 
conversion,  and  were  added  to  the  church.  But  while  Mr. 
Childs  was  earnestly  engaged  in  trying  to  lead  sinners  to 
Christ,  and  to  build  up  the  Church  of  God,  he  did  not  ne- 
glect his  personal  salvation.  He  was  ever  watchful  over 
himself,  and  constantly  labouring  to  obtain  and  maintain 
all  the  mind  that  was  in  Christ. 

September  14th,  1838,  he  writes  to  his  Lynchburg 
correspondent  as  follows : — "  Since  we  parted,  I  have  been 
reading  again  Mr.  Wesley  on  Christian  Perfection.  I  dis- 
cover my  deficiency  ;  but  believe  from  the  marks  he  lays 
down  that  I  have  enjoyed  the  blessing ;  and  am  deter- 
mined by  grace  to  amend  my  ways  and  my  doings." 

Mr.  Childs's  Christian  experience  seems  to  have  been 
strangely  unsatisfactory  to  himself  at  this  time.  Some- 
thing hidden  was  constantly  troubling  him,  and  interrupt- 
ing his  enjoyments.  He  had  not  wholly  abandoned  his  con- 
templated transfer  to  another  Conference,  and  yet  the  pro- 
vidential indications  to  his  own  mind  did  not  fully  warrant 
such  a  step  at  that  time.  He  was  evidently  dissatisfied, 
and  still  he  was  at  a  loss  what  course  to  pursue.  This 
unsettled  state  of  mind  interfered  very  materially  with  his 
spiritual  comforts.  At  one  time  we  find  him,  apparently, 
wholly  swallowed  up  in  the  will  of  God — calmly  sitting  at 
the  feet  of  Jesus,  and  happy  in  his  work.  Again,  we  meet 
him  under  a  cloud  of  providential  darkness,  "having  no 
light;"  but  still  "trusting  in  the  name  of  the  Lord,  and 
staying  upon  his  God,"  and  yet  writing  most  severe 
and  bitter  things  against  himself.  Hear  him  in  a  let- 
ter addresed  to  the  same  person  to  whom  the  last  quoted 
was  written.  "  I  have  had  fightings  without  and  fears 
within,  since  you  left,  but  I  know  that  God  is  faithful,  and 
to  him  I  look,  through  Jesus  Christ.  My  unfaithfulness, 
I  know,  has  been  very  great;  my  inconsistency,  oh  !  I 
am  ashamed  of  it.  Sometimes  I  fear,  like  Moses,  1  have 
angered  the  Lord,  and  that  he  will  not  do  any  great  things 
by  me  or  for  me.    Yet  I  know  it  is  of  his  mercy  that  I 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


177 


am  not  dead — that  I  am  not  damned — that  I  still  live, 
surrounded  with  so  many  mercies.  I  am  a  monster  in  crea- 
tion. Oh  !  that  I  could  experience  more  of  his  goodness 
and  his  greatness.  Unless  God  come  and  dwell  in  my 
heart,  more  and  more,  I  know  that  I  cannot  glorify  him, 
or  do  any  thing  that  is  good.  Oh  !  that  he  would  make  my 
longing  heart  his  home;  not  only  occasionally,  hut  con- 
stantly. Oh  !  where  is  the  Lord  God  of  Elijah.  *  *  *  I  see 
there  is  but  one  icay — to  be  crucified  with  Christ — to  have 
the  old  man  nailed  to  the  cross.  May  I  cheerfully  submit 
to  it,  that  the  fruits  of  the  Spirit  may  be  mine  for  ever." 

How  strange  it  seems  that  a  man  of  such  extraordinary 
piety  and  devotion  to  God,  should  have  been  the  subject 
of  such  painful  exercises  !  "We  wonder  that  his  comforts 
were  not  always  abounding,— ^that  his  joy  was  not  like 
a  perennial  spring,  sending  its  refreshing  waters  over  his 
soul, — that  his  peace  was  not  constantly  like  a  river,  and 
his  righteousness  as  the  waves  of  the  sea.  The  probabi- 
lity is,  that  some  constitutional  cause  had  much  to  do  in 
producing  this  effect.  Mr.  Childs  certainly  was  never 
more  devout,  more  zealous  for  souls,  more  faithful  in  his 
ministry,  or  more  godly  in  all  manner  of  conversation,  so 
far  as  his  most  intimate  friends  could  judge,  than  at  the 
very  time  he  represents  himself  to  have  been  the  subject 
of  these  conflicting  and  distressing  mental  and  spiritual 
exercises. 

As  the  year  drew  to  a  close  he  began  to  hesitate  as  to 
whether  he  would  attend  the  session  of  the  Conference. 
The  two  preceding  sessions  were  not  the  most  harmonious 
and  pleasant,  and  he  feared  that  the  peace  of  the  approach- 
ing session  might  be  interrupted  as  the  former  had  been, 
and  concluded  that  he  would  act*the  part  of  the  prudent 
man  who,  foreseeing  the  evil,  hides  himself.  Besides,  his 
friend  and  brother  beloved  in  Christ,  the  Rev.  Rowland  G. 
Bass,  had  died,  and  he  had  been  requested  to  preach  his 
funeral  sermon  ;  and  he  thought  that  be  could  better  em- 
ploy his  time  in  attending  to  this  last  expression  of  regard 
for  the  memory  of  his  departed  brother  and  companion  in 
tribulation,  and  in  the  kingdom  and  patience  of  Jesus 


ITS 


LIFE  OF  THE 


Christ,"  than  in  attending  the  Conference.  He  therefore 
declined,  though  not  without  some  misgivings  as  to  whether 
it  were  the  better  course.  To  the  friend,  so  frequently 
alluded  to  in  the  preceding  part  of  this  work,  he  writes — 

February  15th,  1839. 

"  You  will  perceive  by  the  date  of  this  that  my  lot  is  not 
to  go  to  Conference  this  year ;  though  I  begin  almost  to 
suspect  that  the  better  way  is  to  go,  upon  the  whole.  We 
should  most  gladly  avail  ourselves  of  this  opportunity  to 
visit  you  ;  but  circumstances  render  it  inconvenient  at  the 
present  time,  as  my  engagements  for  the  Sabbaths  will 
lead  me  in  a  different  direction. 

For  the  present  my  mind  leads  me  to  remain  in  this 
region  of  country.  If  -  the  Lord  call  me  to  go,  he  will 
open  the  way.  Pray  that  in  every  thing  I  may  clear 
my  skirts  of  the  blood  of  my  fellow  creatures.  Even  so, 
Amen. 

I  thank  you  for  your  care  with  regard  to  our  destiny 
for  another  year.  May  the  good  Lord  direct  us  to  that 
place  where  we  may  do,  and  get  the  most  good.  I  long 
to  be  useful.  I  long  to  bring  souls  to  God,  and  to  build 
up  believers  in  their  most  holy  faith.  But  who  is  suffi- 
cient for  these  things  ?  Divine  grace  alone  can  qualify. 
May  the  Great  Head  of  the  Church  give  us  more  spirit- 
uality." 

During  the  two  years  which  Mr.  Childs  spent  on  the 
Prince  Edward  circuit,  he  boarded  with  John  W.  Redd, 
Esq. ;  and  in  his  correspondence  he  very  frequently 
speaks  of  the  kindness  and  untiring  attention  of  this 
Christian  gentleman  and  his  estimable  lady,  towards  himself 
and  family.  He  seems  lo  have  become  strongly  attached  to 
Mr.  Redd  and  his  whole  household ;  and  it  was  not  without 
painful  emotions  that  he  parted  with  them  at  the  close  of 
his  term  of  service  on  the  circuit.  Mr.  Redd  became  as 
intimately  acquainted  with  Mr.  Childs,  perhaps,  as  any 
man  ever  did.  He  was  a  great  deal  in  his  company,  in 
public  and  in  private,  and  had  every  opportunity  of  form- 
ing a  correct  estimate  of  the  man.    We  take  pleasure, 


REV.  JOHN  WE8LEY  CIIILDS. 


179 


therefore,  in  laying  before  the  reader  the  following  ex- 
tract from  a  communication  addressed  to  us  by  Mr.  Redd, 
in  which  he  gives  us  his  impressions  of  Mr.  Childs,  as  a 
minister  of  Jesus  Christ,  a  Christian,  and  a  friend. 

"  He  boarded  with  me  two  years,  during  the  whole  of 
which  time  he  set  the  most  holy  and  godly  example  that 
I  ever  witnessed ;  so  that  when  I  speak  of  him  I  hardly 
know  where  to  begin.  In  his  intercourse  with  families, 
as  a  pastor,  he  was  mild  and  persuasive ;  continually  en- 
deavouring to  impress  on  all,  the  necessity  of  a  life  wholly 
devoted  to  the  service  of  God.  Indeed,  it  seemed  to  be 
his  object  to  do  all  the  good  he  possibly  could  to  all  men ; 
every  day,  practically  forgetting  the  things  which  were 
behind,  and  reaching  to  those  before.  I  never  saw  any 
thing  harsh  or  unkind  in  any  word  or  act  coming  from 
him ;  and  although  he  was  prompt  to  reprove  sin  whenever 
he  saw  an  occasion  for  reproof,  yet  he  was  always  kind 
and  affectionate  to  the  sinner,  always  putting  the  most 
favourable  construction  on  the  act  he  could,  having  the 
charity  which  !  believeth  all  things.' 

"  He  was  the  farthest  from  egotism  or  self-applause  of 
any  one  I  ever  knew ;  hardly  ever  speaking  of  himself,  or 
of  his  instrumentality  in  the  many  conversions  with  which 
his  labours  were  blessed.  While  he  was  with  us,  on  the 
Prince  Edward  circuit,  he  had,  in  the  year  1837,  not  less 
than  live  hundred  converts,  and  yet  he  did  not  report  near 
so  many,  seeming  to  fear  that  he  might  give  too  large  a 
number.  He  was  always  willing  that  others  might  be 
preferred  before  him,  and  that  he  might  be  little  and  un- 
known. Indeed,  he  was,  without  doubt,  the  most  perfect 
model  of  humility  I  ever  saw. 

"  I  believe  he  used  to  rise  invariably  at  four  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  and  spend  much  time  in  prayer,  reading  the 
Scriptures,  and  meditation.  He  was  very  studious,  trying 
to  redeem  the  time  in  every  possible  way.  He  had  no 
idle  moment,  or  any  time  for  frivolity,  or  idle  chit-chat; 
but  was  always  ready  to  converse  with  any  one  on  any 
useful  or  practical  subject,  either  of  a  temporal  or  spiritual 
nature.    He  was  very  accessible,  and  easy  of  approach  to 


ISO 


LIFE  OF  THE 


any  one  who  wished  to  converse  with  him.  He  was  a 
most  agreeable  companion,  always  enjoying  whatever  was 
either  good  or  useful  in  nature  or  art.  He  was  very  tem- 
perate in  eating,  as  well  as  in  every  thing  else ;  but  truly 
thankful  for  the  good  things  of  life  with  which  he  was 
blessed.  He  was  a  great  admirer  of  neatness  and  order, 
and  liked  the  saying,  'neatness  is  next  to  godliness.'  If 
he  saw  any  thing  wrong  in  any  one,  he  would  never  speak 
of  it  to  any  other  person ;  but  he  would  be  sure  to  take  the 
earliest  opportunity  to  speak  with  the  person  himself,  and 
show  him,  in  the  most  earnest  and  affectionate  manner, 
the  evil  of  his  way,  and  encourage  him  to  pursue  a  differ- 
ent course. 

"  I  have  seen  him,  when  diverted,  laugh  heartily,  but 
never  immoderately — his  moderation  was  shown  in  all 
things. 

"  He  was  careful  not  to  give  offence,  or  wound  the  feel- 
ings of  any  one ;  but  firm  to  do  his  whole  duty,  as  one 
who  had  the  charge  of  souls,  and  must  give  his  account  to 
God.  He  laboured  so  that  he  might  be  clear  from  the 
blood  of  all,  and  win  all  that  he  could  to  Christ.  In  a 
word  he  was  the  most  perfect  Christian  I  ever  knew. 

"  I  could  say  more,  but  deem  it  unnecessary." 

This  is  a  noble  testimony  from  one  who  knew  him  well. 

The  Conference  was  held  in  the  town  of  Edenton,  North 
Carolina,  from  which  he  was  assigned  to  the  Bedford  cir- 
cuit, west  of  Lynchburg,  lying  along  the  base  of  the  Blue 
Ridge  mountains,  and  embracing  a  wild  and  romantic  sec- 
tion of  Virginia.  In  this  field  of  labour — among  these 
hills  and  valleys,  and  skirting  these  mountains,  we  shall 
pursue  his  life  in  the  next  chapter  of  his  interesting  and 
instructive  history. 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


181 


CHAPTER  XIII. 

BEDFORD  CIRCUIT.  1839. 

Goes  to  the  circuit— Letter  to  his  wife— Troubled  again  upon  the  "  old 
subject" — Letter  explanatory  of  his  course — Afflictions — His  ministry 
not  crowned  with  great  success— Closes  the  year— Goes  to  Conference 
— Assigned  to  the  Chesterfield  circuit 

As  soon  as  Mr.  Childs  received  intelligence  that  he  bad 
been  assigned  to  tbe  Bedford  circuit  for  the  year  1839,  be 
set  out  without  delay  for  his  appointment.  On  his  way  he 
spent  a  short  time  with  his  friends  in  Lynchburg,  where 
he  left  bis  wife  and  cbilden  to  spend  a  few  weeks  with  their 
relations,  in  the  family  of  tbe  Rev.  Mr.  Early.  His  new 
charge  received  him  cordially,  and  immediately  went  to 
work  to  fit  up  the  parsonage,  located  in  the  pleasant  little 
village  of  Liberty,  for  the  accommodation  of  his  family. 

To  his  wife  he  writes,  March  20th,  "I  am  now  in  the 
parsonage,  writing;  and  feel  thankful  to  God  that  the 
people  have  provided  such  a  place  of  rest  for  us.  I  feel 
delighted  ;  and  only  want  you  and  tbe  little  ones  here  to 
make  all  well  so  far  as  this  world  is  concerned.  I  find 
upon  examination  that  there  is  nearly  or  quite  every  thing 
we  need  in  the  parsonage.  How  wise  tbe  caution,  'be 
careful  for  nothing.' 

"I  am  anxious  to  see  you.  I  think  I  love  you  as  well  as 
I  dare  love  a  mortal.  I  know  I  love  you  above  all  created 
beings.  I  would  except  the  body  of  our  Saviour  ;  though 
St.  l'aul  says,  'henceforth  know  we  him  no  more  after  the 
flesh.'  Kiss  tbe  dear  little  ones  for  me ;  and  try  to  teach 
them  the  way  to  heaven." 

March  26th,  he  again  writes  to  tbe  same  ;  in  which,  after 
giving  directions  in  reference  to  some  household  affairs, 
be  says,  "  O  my  dear,  let  us  remember  it  is  written,  '  they 
that  arc  after  tbe  flesh,  do  mind  the  things  of  the  flesh,' 
and  they  that  are  after  the  spirit,  the  things  of  tbe  Spirit. 

16 


182 


LIFE  OF  THE 


May  we  be  found  thinking  of,  following  after,  and  relish- 
ing the  things  of  the  Spirit;  and  only  follow  the  things  of 
this  world  so  far  as  they  are  really  necessary  to  gain  a 
better;  you  may  rely  upon  it,  that  is  our  true  country. 
May  we  be  found  continually  in  a  state  of  preparation  for 
it.  *  *  *  Have  our  dear  little  Mary  baptized  before  you 
leave  Lynchburg.  I  trust  I  have  offered  her  up  to  God 
in  faith  and  prayer  before  this ;  and  that  is  only  the  out- 
ward sign  of  nobler  things." 

April  15th,  in  writing  to  a  friend,  he  says,  "As  yet  we 
have  witnessed  no  extraordinary  manifestations  of  divine 
power  on  the  circuit,  farther  than  one  conversion  and  a  few 
mourners,  and  some  seasons  of  refreshing  from  the  presence 
of  the  Lord.  The  members  here,  say  they  have  strong 
faith  ;  may  the  good  Lord  give  the  wished  increase.  The 
matter  of  purging  the  church  is  all  important.  I  fear  it 
requires  more  skill  than  I  possess.  Oh,  may  the  Lord  give 
ability." 

Mr.  Childs  became  very  greatly  concerned  upon  the 
subject  of  walking  and  preaching  again;  and  in  opposition 
to  the  wishes  and  earnest  remonstrances  and  expostulations 
of  his  nearest  friends  he  left  his  horse,  and  commenced 
travelling  on  foot  around  his  circuit.  In  a  short  time  after 
recommencing  this  mode  of  travelling  he  received  a  letter 
of  remonstrance  from  his  particular  friend,  Mrs.  E.,  of 
Lynchburg  ;  to  which  he  replied,  in  the  same  spirit  of 
meekness  and  docility  that  distinguished  his  whole  life. 
From  this  reply  we  copy  the  following. 

Liberty,  May  21,  1839. 

Dear,  Sister  E.: — In  reference  to  the  step  taken  by 
me,  to  which  you  allude,  I  have  to  say, — if  I  know  my  own 
heart — to  please  God — to  keep  a  good  conscience — to  be 
more  conformable  to  the  image  of  Christ,  are  some  of  the 
principal  reasons  by  which  I  have  been  influenced.  To  be 
less  burthensome,  and  to  have  an  opportunity  of  visiting 
more,  are  some  of  the  secondary  considerations,  that  have 
led  me  to  this  course.  I  am  sensible  in  doing  so,  God 
gives  me  more  of  his  gracious  presence,  and  that  alone  can 
make  our  paradise,  'and  where  he  is  there  is  Heaven.' 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


183 


That  it  should  affect  your  friend  so,  is  a  deep  affliction  to 
me,  and  but  for  the  presence  of  the  Lord,  I  believe  I  should 
sink  under  it.  *  *  *  But  consider  our  Saviour,  who,  for 
the  joy  that  was  set  before  him,  endured  the  cross,  despising 
the  shame,  and  is  set  down  on  the  right  hand  of  the  majesty 
on  high.  The  prophet  informs  us  that  this  is  not  our  rest — 
it  is  polluted,  and  that  it  will  destroy  us  with  a  sore  de- 
struction. That  I  still  love  my  family,  and  am  willing  to 
do  any  thing  in  my  power  to  benefit  them,  he  who  searches 
my  heart,  is  witness.  But  the  present  opposition  to  my 
course  is  an  affliction,  and  I  must  bear  it.  The  painful 
strife  will  soon  be  over,  and  in  eternity  it  will  not  add  any 
thing  to  our  consecpuence  whether  we  walked  or  rode  in 
this  world.  All  will  then,  no  doubt,  regard  whatever  min- 
istered to  pride  in  this  life  as  vanity,  and  whatever  served 
to  lead  them  to  humility,  as  the  greatest  blessings. 

I  do  not  believe  that  I  have  enjoyed  the  true  sanetifica- 
tion  of  my  spirit  since  1  was  on  the  Buckingham  circuit. 
Many  visits  of  the  good  Spirit  I  have  enjoyed,  but  not  the 
true,  settled  presence  of  God.  And  I  can  assure  you  that 
I  have  had  many  struggles  in  my  mind  since  that  period. 
After  getting  my  shoulder  broken,  it  clearly  appeared  to 
me  as  the  better  way,  to  walk  ;  and  the  last  year  the  same 
impressions  were  made  upon  my  mind ;  but  worldly  pru- 
dence, the  contempt  of  families,  &c,  prevented  me  from 
adopting  it.  But  what  is  all  this  world  without  the  clear 
sense  of  God's  approbation ; — this,  and  this  alone,  is  the 
pearl  of  great  price.  *  *  *  Let  me  hear  from  you  early  ; 
and  be  just  as  plain  as  the  good  Lord  may  put  it  in  your 
heart  to  be.  I  think  the  language  of  my  heart  is,  "search 
me  and  try  me,  and  see  if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me, 
and  lead  me  in  the  way  everlasting."  My  health  is  tolerably 
good ;  though  I  am  a  worm,  and  no  man — a  reproach,  and 
despised  of  the  people ;  but  if  the  Lord  will  only  say,  "  well 
done  good  and  faithful  servant,"  it  will  be  enough. 
Yours  truly, 

John  W.  Childs. 


We  have  no  comment  to  make  on  this  letter.   Mr.  Childs 


184 


LIFE  OF  TITE 


believed  he  was  doing  right,  and  it  was  not  an  easy  matter 
to  turn  him  aside  from  the  path  tbat  he  believed  to  be  tbe 
path  of  duty.  He  continued  on  foot  for  some  time,  until 
it  became  necessary,  on  account  of  bodily  afflictions,  to 
return  to  the  saddle  again. 

June  18th,  he  writes — "We  have  as  yet  no  great  signs 
of  extensive  revival.  The  Lord  has  mercifully  converted 
a  few  souls,  and  others  are  mourning.  We  pray  tbat  a 
mighty  harvest  may  be  gathered  into  the  garner.  My 
soul,  I  think,  prospers  in  the  divine  life.  I  feel  that  God 
is  love ;  and  I  want  more  of  this  heaven-born  principle. 
My  body  has  been  somewhat  afflicted,  but  the  will  of  the 
Lord  be  done." 

About  the  same  time  he  wrote  to  Mrs.  Childs's  mother, 
then  in  Mississippi,  from  which  we  make  the  following 
quotations.  "  We  are  keeping  house  in  this  place,  (Liberty,) 
and  so  far  we  have  met  with  a  very  kind  people,  and  all 
our  wants  have  been  supplied.  Our  aim  is  to  cut  off  all 
unnecessary  wants.  And  what  wisdom  from  above  does 
this  require?  'Do  I  know  how  to  abound,  and  yet  not 
gratify  unnecessary  wants  V  inquires  Mr.  Fletcher.  I 
fear  but  few  Christians  attain  to  this  state  in  the  present 
world  ;  and  yet  it  seems  plain  that  St.  Paul  had  attained 
unto  it. 

"  We  have  not  been  favoured  with  a  great  revival  this 
year ;  some,  however,  have  been  converted,  for  which  wc 
desire  to  be  truly  thankful. 

"It  is  now  nearly  four  o'clock  in  tbe  morning.  All  are 
bushed  in  sleep.  How  solemn  to  meditate  on  that  slumber 
that  awaits  us  all !  Faith  in  our  blessed  Saviour  alone  can 
give  us  solace  in  view  of  that  last  sleep.  He  died  and  rose 
again,  that  he  might  be  Lord  both  of  the  dead  and  living." 

June  24th,  in  a  letter  to  his  Lynchburg  correspondent, 
be  says — "Since  writing  you,  my  body  has  been  twice  or 
thrice  afflicted,  and  the  frail  tenement  seemed  to  shake ; 
but  the  good  Lord  has  mercifully  turned  aside  his  wrath. 
In  consequence  of  my  last  affliction  1  have  found  it  neces- 
sary to  ride,  and  I  assure  you  that  I  try  to  lay  no  stress 
upon  either.    It  is  tbe  favour  and  image  of  God  that  I 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


185 


seek ;  and  if  be  deign  to  smile,  whether  riding  or  walking, 
all  is  well." 

Mr.  Cbilds  prosecuted  his  work  with  his  usual  zeal  and 
energy  through  the  whole  year,  but  not  with  tbe  same  re- 
sults, so  far  as  tbe  conversion  of  sinners  was  concerned, 
that  bad  crowned  bis  labours  the  two  previous  years.  The 
autumn  passed  away  with  its  mellow  sunsets  and  gold- 
tinted  clouds ;  tbe  farmers  gathered  in  their  crops ;  and 
stern  winter  was  seen  on  tiptoe  upon  the  mountains  draw- 
ing bis  snowy  mantle  around  him.  The  year  was  rapidly 
drawing  to  a  close,  and  Mr.  Childs  began  to  review  bis 
labours.  He  saw  much  that  was  a  source  of  disquiet  to 
bis  mind  ;  and  as  usual  he  wrote  severe  things  of  himself. 
But  he  coutinued  to  preach  and  pray,  and  visit  from  bouse 
to  house,  until  the  eve  of  Conference. 

Jan.  29th,  1840,  he  writes  thus  to  a  friend — "  Oh !  what 
is  this  world  without  an  indwelling  Christ.  It  is  but  a  vast 
wilderness — but  a  scene  of  confusion.  How  much  is  im- 
plied in  being  '  born  again,'  and  growing  up  in  him  in  all 
things.  I  feel  that  I  have  greatly  come  short,  and  I 
tremble  for  myself.  What  a  solemn  responsibility  rests 
upon  our  shoulders.  Oh !  to  be  clear  of  the  blood  of  all 
men  !  Not  to  shun  to  declare  the  whole  counsel  of  God  ! 
How  tremendous  a  work ! 

"  We  are  closing  the  affairs  of  the  circuit,  and  perhaps 
may  leave  here  on  the  12th  or  13th  February." 

Mr.  Cbilds  passed  through  Lynchburg  on  his  way  to 
Conference,  which  met  that  year  in  Farmville,  and  left  his 
family  at  Mr.  Early's.  He  was  present  at  the  opening  of 
the  session,  and  seems  still  to  have  had  it  in  contemplation 
to  get  a  transfer  to  another  Conference,  should  a  provi- 
dential opening  for  such  a  step  present  itself. 

From  the  seat  of  the  Conference  he  wrote,  on  the  21st 
Feb.  to  his  wife — "  Our  Conference  progresses  tolerably  in 
business.  Bishop  Waugh  is  here,  in  usual  health.  As 
yet  I  see  no  opening  of  Providence  to  another  Conference. 
Oh  !  that  tbe  Lord  would  teach  me  how  to  be  reconciled. 
Our  old  difficulties  have  not  agitated  us — may  they  be 
thoroughly  healed.  I  see  much  to  praise  the  Lord  for,  and 

10* 


186 


LIFE  OF  THE 


much  to  deplore.  I  feel  that  my  own  heart  is  not  fully 
renewed.  Oh  !  help  me  to  pray  for  that  entire  sanctifica- 
tion  of  spirit  that  is  so  necessary  to  my  present  peace  and 
future  happiness. 

"As  to  where  we  shall  go  the  ensuing  year  I  can  say  no- 
thing. I  dare  not  choose  for  myself,  though  at  times  I 
feel  awfully  pressed.  I  know  if  I  were  more  faithful,  I 
should  not  be  left  to  such  a  state  of  doubt  and  uncertainty. 
May  the  Lord  deliver  me  wholly  from  this  state  of  mind." 

Mr.  Childs  was  appointed  from  this  Conference  to  the 
Chesterfield  circuit,  lying  between  the  James  and  Appo- 
mattox rivers,  and  immediately  adjacent  to  the  city  of 
Richmond. 


CHAPTER  XIV. 

CHESTERFIELD  CIRCUIT.  1840-41. 

Reception — The  circuit — State  of  his  mind — Work  of  rcvivnl  com- 
mences— Death  of  his  brother — 300  Souls  converted — Attends  Con- 
ference— Returned — Letter  to  Mrs.  E. — Labours  through  the  year — 
Rev.  Staunton  Fields's  recollections  of  Mr.  Childs— Attends  Confe- 
rence— Sent  to  Cumberland  circuit. 

WiTn  his  usual  promptitude  Mr.  Childs  repaired  to  his 
appointment,  and  commenced  his  labours  for  the  year. 
He  took  his  family  with  him  to  the  circuit,  and  left  them 
with  a  friend  in  the  town  of  Manchester,  just  across  the  river 
from  Richmond,  and  set  out  immediately  to  meet  his  first 
round  of  appointments,  and  to  make  a  survey  of  his  new 
field  of  labour.  He  was  received  with  great  cordiality ; 
says  he  found  the  people  exceedingly  kind ;  and  was  en- 
couraged by  the  success  which  attended  the  word  of  life 
dispensed  by  him. 

lie  says — "  I  find  the  circuit  less  compact,  and  more  in- 
convenient than  any  I  have  travelled  lately ;  but  if  the 
Lord  will  be  with  us,  and  give  us  souls  for  our  hire,  these 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


187 


matters  we  must  gladly  forego."  In  the  same  letter  from 
which  we  have  made  this  extract,  he  adds — "  I  think  I 
can  say  that  the  bent  of  my  mind,  and  the  settled  purpose 
of  my  soul  is  to  seek  after  holiness.  God  has  visited  me 
again  and  again  since  we  parted.  My  body  has  been  some- 
what afflicted,  but  still  I  think  my  soul  follows  hard  after 
holiness ;  and  though  my  progress  is  small,  yet  I  am  not 
without  hope  that  '  I  shall  his  witness  live,  when  sin  is  all 
destroyed  ;'  when  every  word,  and  thought,  and  temper,  and 
action  shall  be  governed  by  love." 

May  18th,  writing  to  the  same  person  to  whom  the  above 
was  addressed,  he  says — "  We  have  met  with  many  kind 
friends  on  this  circuit;  but  have  not  as  yet  fixed  on  any 
place  to  board.  Manchester  is  desirable,  but  it  is  in  a 
corner  of  the  circuit.  I  know  not  that  we  shall  meet  with 
a  suitable  place.  In  this,  as  in  all  other  matters,  I  desire 
to  say,  'The  will  of  the  Lord  be  done.'  These  things 
seem  to  keep  us  in  remembrance  that  we  are  strangers  and 
pilgrims  here  below.  Oh,  that  we  may  truly  seek  after  a 
heavenly  country  ! 

"  We  have  had  some  few  souls  converted  on  the  circuit, 
and  I  think  there  is  a  general  expectation  among  the  mem- 
bers that  God  will  revive  his  work.  My  health  has  been 
unusually  feeble  this  spring — several  times  almost  over- 
powered with  weakness — but,  blessed  be  the  Lord,  I  think 
he  strengthens  me ;  and  I  feel  better  in  soul  and  body. 
My  soul  magnifies  the  Lord,  and  my  spirit  rejoices  in  the 
God  of  my  salvation. 

"  I  have  lately  heard  of  the  death  of  my  dearest  and 
youngest  brother,  and  that,  too,  by  an  accident — the  run- 
ning away  of  the  horses  with  an  omnibus,  in  which  he  was 
seated  ;  but,  thank  God,  this  does  not  discourage  me.  My 
soul  within  me  says,  '  Though  thou  slay  me,  yet  will  I  trust* 
in  thee.' " 

As  the  summer  advanced,  the  work  of  revival  com- 
menced aud  extended  in  great  power  round  the  circuit, 
and  many  were  the  subjects  of  God's  converting  grace. 
The  work  continued  till  late  in  autumn.  October  26th  he 
says,  iu  one  of  his  letters — "  We  have  had  a  good  work 


188 


LIFE  OF  THE 


on  the  circuit  the  present  year.  I  think  more  than  three 
hundred  have  professed,  and  still  a  good  prospect. 

"  We  are  about  establishing  a  parsonage  for  this  circuit 
in  Manchester.  The  house  is  already  bought  and  money 
enough  subscribed  to  pay  for  it,  if  we  can  collect  it,  which 
we  hope  to  do,  by  the  end  or  before  the  end  of  the  year. 
*  *  *  *  But,  amid  all,  alas !  I  have  to  complain  of  my 
leanness  and  unprofitableness.  My  progress  towards  hea- 
ven is  slow.  Oh !  I  see  that  I  have  much  to  do,  and  but 
little  time  to  do  it  in.  Oh !  for  grace  to  buy  up  every 
moment  of  time,  and  occupy  all  to  the  glory  of  God." 

November  24th,  he  writes — "  We  are  not  doing  much 
now  on  the  circuit,  though  some  professed  conversion  dur- 
ing my  last  round.  May  they  be  faithful ;  and  may  the 
good  Lord  revive  us  yet  more  and  more.  I  think  my  heart 
still  desires  God;  and  nothing  but  the  living  God  can  sa- 
tisfy me.  Oh  !  that  I  may  be  able  to  cast  this  weary  world 
behind  my  back.  We  have  many  kind  friends  on  this 
circuit;  while  they  minister  to  our  temporal  wants,  the 
Lord  make  us  instrumental  of  great  spiritual  good  to 
them." 

The  Conference  for  this  year  held  its  session  in  the  town 
of  Lynchburg,  in  the  month  of  January,  1841.  Mr.  Childs 
left  his  family — now  consisting  of  a  wife  and  three  chil- 
dren, all  daughters — with  his  friend  and  Christian  brother, 
Charles  W.  Friend,  Esq.,  of  Chesterfield,  and  went  up  to 
the  Conference.  Nothing  of  special  interest,  connected 
with  himself,  transpired  during  his  absence.  He  was  re- 
turned to  the  Chesterfield  circuit;  and,  immediately  on  his 
arrival  at  Mr.  Friend's,  within  the  bounds  of  his  charge,  he 
wrote  the  following  letter  to  Mrs.  E.,  of  Lynchburg : — 

Chesterfield  Circuit,  January  27th,  1841. 

My  Dear  Sister  E. : — I  hasten  to  comply  with  my 
promise  to  write  to  you,  on  my  arrival  here,  which  was 
not  until  a  few  hours  ago.  Through  the  Divine  mercy,  I 
found  all  tolerably  well. 

After  leaving  you,  I  fell  in  with  Brother  D.,  and  before 
night  we  joined  Brother  W.    We  found  some  difficulty  in 


REV.  JOnN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


189 


procuring  a  lodging-place  for  the  night ;  but  were  at  length 
kindly  eutertained  by  a  Baptist  family  at  a  low  price.  The 
next  day  we  travelled  on  to  Brother  lledd's,  in  Prince 
Edward  county,  where  wc  spent  the  Sabbath,  and  held 
meeting  at  Mount  Pleasant  church. 

I  feel  that  I  am  unworthy  of  a  name  and  place  among 
the  Lord's  people.  Oh  !  how  far  short  of  my  duty  and 
the  glory  of  the  Lord  do  I  come.  "To  will  is  present  with 
me,  but  how  to  perform  that  which  is  good"  I  do  not  at 
all  times  find.  I  know  there  is  a  perfect  salvation  offered 
us  through  Jesus  Christ;  but  I  know  it  requires  fidelity 
on  our  part  to  enjoy  it.  But,  alas  !  I  am  not  worthy  to 
gather  up  the  crumbs  from  his  table.  Oh !  help  me  to 
pray  more  earnestly  that  my  soul,  at  all  times,  may  enjoy 
the  full  image  of  the  Saviour.  Shall  any  thing  short  of 
this  great  salvation  satisfy  us?  Oh  !  pray,  Sister  E.,  that 
I  may  press  onward  to  the  mark  of  the  prize.  I  am  sen- 
sible that  this  salvation  is  received  and  enjoyed  by  a  naked 
faith  in  a  naked  promise,  as  says  Mr.  Fletcher;  and  this 
faith  is  surely  to  work  by  love.  But  what  confused  notions 
have  we  of  this  loving  our  neighbour  as  ourselves  !  How 
prone  are  we  to  be  inordinate  lovers  of  ourselves  !  Doubt- 
less, to  love  ourselves  properly  is  right;  for,  says  the 
Apostle,  "  No  man  ever  yet  hated  his  own  flesh,  but  nou- 
rishcth  and  chcrisheth  it,  even  as  the  Lord  the  church ;" 
but  we  are  prone  to  go  beyond  the  bounds  of  reason,  Scrip- 
ture, and  moderation.  Oh  !  may  the  Lord  open  the  eyes 
of  our  understanding,  that  we  may  see  clearly  "  what  is 
the  hope  of  our  calling."  For  my  part,  I  see  no  other 
way  than  daily  to  deny  ourselves,  take  up  our  cross,  and 
follow  Jesus.  And  nothing  but  the  daily  and  hourly  in- 
fluences of  the  Divine  Spirit  can  teach  us  what  is  implied 
in  this.  *  *  *  *  Oh  !  how  important  that  all  our  addic- 
tions be  sanctified  to  us  ;  for,  when  this  is  not  the  case,  we 
only  give  heaven  leave  to  make  us  still  more  wretched — 
not  more  wise. 

We  expect  to  commence  housekeeping  as  early  as  pos- 
sible. I  remain  your  umvorthy  but  affectionate  brother, 
John  AV.  Guilds. 


190 


LIFE  OF  THE 


In  April  he  writes  :  "  Of  late  the  Lord  has  been  visiting 
and  refreshing  my  spirit,  and  in  some  measure  strength- 
ening my  hands  to  the  war.  Yet  I  find  myself  in  great 
want  of  power,  and  moral  energy.  The  world  I  find  to  be 
infectious — a  school  of  wrong,  and  I  fear  that  the  majority 
of  us,  at  best,  '  see  men  as  trees  walking.'  We  need  more 
of  the  '  eye-salve'  spoken  of  by  St.  John, '  that  we  may  see.' 
I  fear  we  are  far,  very  far  from  being  what  we  ought  to  be, 
and  what  we  must  be  '  to  enter  through  the  gates  into  the 
city.'  And  why  are  we  not  wholly  the  Lord's?  '  Is  there 
no  balm  in  Gilead,  is  there  no  physician  there  ?  Why  then 
is  not  the  health  of  the  daughter  of  my  people  recovered  V 
It  is  a  melancholy  reflection  !  None  of  us  will  lament 
being  '  crucified  to  the  world'  when  we  come  to  die.  May 
Satan  not  beguile  us  as  an  angel  of  light.  May  our  God 
give  us  understanding  that  we  may  know  his  devices." 

The  year  glided  away  without  any  thing  of  particular  note 
in  the  life  of  Mr.  Childs.  He  laboured  with  his  usual  fidel- 
ity ;  kept  up  all  his  habits  of  devotion;  did  not  slacken  in 
bis  course,  but  his  ministry  was  not  crowned  with  the  con- 
version of  as  many  souls  as  it  had  been  the  previous  year. 
But  he  rendered  the  circuit  a  valuable  service  in  training 
up  the  recent  additions  to  the  membership,  for  usefulness 
in  the  church.  He  saw  the  parsonage  furnished,  and  oc- 
cupied it  one  year  himself. 

The  time  of  holding  the  Conference  was  changed  to  No- 
vember 1841,  so  that  the  Conference  year  was  shortened, 
and  two  sessions  were  held  in  the  same  current  year. 

Oct.  23d,  we  find  bim  closing  up  the  affairs  of  the 
circuit.  Writing  to  a  friend  be  says  :  "  We  are  not  doing 
much  in  a  religious  way  in  our  circuit.  Some  revival  in 
the  upper  part.  Dr.  W —  lately  was  powerfully  converted 
„on  the  road  home,  after  visiting  a  patient,  who  died  the 
same  evening." 

The  Rev.  Staunton  Field  was  Mr.  Childs's  colleague  on 
the  Chesterfield  circuit  in  1841;  and  he  has  kindly  fur- 
nished us  with  some  recollections  and  impressions  of  the 
holy  man  with  whom  he  had  "  the  good  fortuue"  to  be  as- 
sociated, which  we  take  pleasure  in  laying  before  the  rea- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


m 


der  in  this  connection.  He  writes  as  follows  :  "  It  was  my 
good  fortune  to  have  been  placed,  the  first  year  of  my 
ministry,  as  junior  preacher,  with  llev.  John  W.  Childs, 
on  the  Chesterfield  circuit.  This  was  in  1841.  He  took 
me  at  once  into  the  closest  and  most  affectionate  intimacy  ; 
and  during  the  whole  year,  always  evinced  the  most  unre- 
mitting and  unaffected  solicitude  for  my  spiritual  welfare, 
and  ministerial  usefulness.  When  we  met,  which  we  did 
once  in  every  two  weeks,  at  some  particular  point  on  the 
circuit,  he  would  uniformly  embrace  me,  and  pressing  me 
to  his  bosom,  breathe  a  heartfelt  expression  of  gratitude  to 
God  for  having  spared  us  to  meet  again. 

"  He  did  not  hesitate  to  tell  me,  in  the  most  tender  and 
affectionate  manner,  however — whatever  he  conceived  to 
be  wrong  or  improper,  either  in  my  manners,  or  ministerial 
conduct.  And  though  it  was  difficult  to  differ  in  opinion 
upon  matters  of  taste  or  propriety  with  so  good  a  man, 
yet  there  was  one  trait  in  his  character  very  uuusual,  if  not 
unique,  in  all  others  of  his  cast,  which  I  much  admired — 
that  was,  never  to  proscribe  his  brethren  for  mere  opinion's 
sake.  He  expressed  his  own  views  freely — that  done, 
others  were  at  liberty  to  exercise  their  own  judgments 
without  the  hazard  of  giving  him  offence,  or  provoking  his 
censure.  He  had  his  own  standard  of  piety ;  and  while 
it  was  far  above  that  of  ordinary  Christians,  he  did  not 
disfranchise  any  from  the  claims  and  privileges  of  Christi- 
anity because  they  did  not  measure  up  to  it.  He  earnestly 
enforced  upon  all  the  duty  of  seeking  for,  and  attaining 
unto  that  '  fulness  of  the  blessing  of  the  Cospel  of  Christ,' 
which  he  enjoyed;  but  seemed  to  embrace  and  love  them 
none  the  less  for  not  doing,  in  every  respect,  as  he  felt  it 
his  duty  to  do.  This  trait  in  the  character  and  spirit 
of  our  lamented  brother,  redeems  him  entirely  from  that 
imputation  of  stoical  cxclusivism  which  some  have  most 
unjustly  cast  upon  him.  He  was  no  cynic — no  exclusion- 
ist,  but  a  noble,  liberal  man,  with  as  warm  and  generous 
a  heart  as  ever  beat  in  mortal  breast.  Nay,  he  was  highly 
social  in  his  disposition,  if  not  a  good  companion. 

"  I  will  state  here  one  circumstance,  others  might  be  men- 


102 


LIFE  OF  THE 


tioncd,  in  proof  of  what  I  have  asserted.  During  our  la- 
bours on  the  circuit,  a  very  distinguished  physician,  em- 
inent not  only  for  his  professional  skill,  but  also  for  his 
wickedness,  was  converted.  Before  his  conversion,  his  wife 
being  a  Methodist,  his  house"  was  the  preacher's  home  in 
that  part  of  the  circuit.  But  the  Dr.  always  shunned  as 
far  as  possible,  Brother  Childs's  company  ;  and  while  he 
treated  him  with  courtesy,  he  was  heard  to  say — so  disa- 
greeable was  Mr.  C.'s  company  to  him — that  he  would 
sooner  be  with  a  corpse  than  with  such  a  man.  But,  to 
show  the  ground  of  this  antipathy  to  the  presence  of  this 
holy  man,  on  the  part  of  this  irreligious  gentleman,  after 
he  was  converted  he  declared  that  he  loved  Mr.  Childs 
better  than  any  man  he  ever  knew,  as  a  Christian ;  and 
found  him  to  be  so  different  from  what  he  had  sup- 
posed, and  so  agreeable  as  a  social  companion,  that  he 
could  sit  up  all  night  in  his  society ;  and  that  his  conver- 
sation and  company  afforded  him  a  pleasure  that  knew  no 
satiety. 

"  When  the  real  character  of  this  eminent  servant  of  God 
was  properly  understood,  it  was  divested  of  that  gloom  and 
repulsiveness  with  which  it  seemed  enshrouded  to  the  eye 
of  the  casual  acquaintance. 

"  He  was  the  politest  man  I  ever  knew.  It  was  seen  in 
his  very  walk,  it  glowed  in  his  countenance,  it  spoke  in 
the  tones  of  his  voice,  and  was  read  in  every  movement 
and  act  of  his  life.  If  ever  man  conversed  with  God  on 
earth,  if  ever  human  spirit  lived  in  communion  with  hea- 
ven while  in  the  body,  John  Wesley  Childs  was  that  man. 
Prayer  was  the  atmosphere  in  which  '  he  lived,  moved,  and 
had  his  continual  being.'  " 

Mr.  Childs  attended  the  Conference  which  was  held  in 
Portsmouth,  and  was  appointed,  for  the  year  1842,  to  the 
Cumberland  circuit. 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


193 


CHAPTER  XV. 

CUMBERLAND  CIRCUIT.  1842  AND  1843. 

Goes  to  his  Circuit — Parsonage — Letter — Stnto  of  the  Work — His  own 
Soul — Another  Letter — Year  expire? — Conference — Return — Letter 
— His  Labours — Recollections  of  Mr.  Chiltls  by  Rev.  John  M.  Saun- 
ders— Conference — Appointed  to  Nottoway  Circuit 

The  Cumberland  circuit  embraces  a  pleasant  section  of 
country,  lying  between  the  James  and  Appomattox  rivers, 
and  about  midway  between  the  towns  of  Petersburg  and 
Lynchburg.  It  includes  within  its  limits  a  considerable 
portion  of  Buckingham  county  ;  and  the  parsonage  for  the 
circuit  is  located  near  the  Buckingham  Female  College, 
and  has  recently  been  immortalized  in  the  beautiful  verse 
of  "  Matilda." 

On  his  return  from  Conference  to  the  Chesterfield  cir- 
cuit, and  before  his  departure  for  his  new  appointment,  he 
wrote  a  letter  to  his  wife's  parents  in  Mississippi,  in  which 
he  says  : — u  We  had  hoped  to  have  reached  our  circuit 
before  the  commencement  of  winter  weather,  but  were 
yesterday  forestalled  by  a  snow-storm,  six  or  eight  inches 
deep,  which  is  rather  unusual  for  this  climate,  at  so  early 
a  period.  We  have  not,  however,  more  than  sixty  or 
seventy  miles  to  travel,  and  no  regular  appointment  for 
preaching  before  the  5th  of  December.  We  pray  that  the 
Lord  may  prosper  us  on  our  journey,  and  cause  all  things 
to  work  together  for  our  good.  Oh !  may  '  the  blood  of 
the  everlasting  covenant  make  and  perfect  us  in  every  good 
work  to  do  his  will ;  working  in  us  that  which  is  well- 
pleasing  in  his  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord.' 
May  we  be  freed  from  all  anger,  all  pride,  all  discontent, 
all  fretfulness,  &c.  It  certainly  is  the  will  of  the  Lord, 
even  our  sanctification.  May  we  contend  earnestly  for  it 
in  the  name  of  our  great  Mediator." 


194 


LIFE  OF  THE 


In  due  time  Mr.  Cbilcls  reached  his  circuit,  saw  his 
family  comfortably  situated  in  the  parsonage,  and  entered 
at  once  upon  his  regular  work.  Nothing  occurred  during 
the  winter,  worthy  of  note.  He  was  steadily  engaged  in 
trying  to  lead  sinners  to  Christ,  and  labouring  to  build 
up  the  membership  in  the  faith  of  the  gospel ;  but  was 
greatly  hindered  in  his  work  by  the  inclemency  of  the 
weather,  and  the  usual  untoward  circumstances  which 
operate  against  the  successful  prosecution  of  circuit  labour, 
during  the  winter  months,  in  our  climate. 

April  13th,  1842,  he  writes  thus  to  Mrs.  E  : 

"  Through  mercy  we  are  all  tolerably  well,  and  I  hope 
still  striving  to  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate ;  but  I  fear  not 
making  those  vigorous  efforts  which  the  necessity  of  the 
case  requires.  I  hope,  however,  the  good  Lord  is  still 
with  us,  in  a  measure,  and  is  still  our  'sun  and  shield.'  I 
hope  that  he  is  still  your  light  and  salvation,  and  I  hope 
also  that  the  children  are  standing  fast  in  the  liberty 
wherewith  Christ  has  made  them  free ;  and  also  that  the 
servants  are  sharing  in  the  mercy  of  our  Lord. 

"  We  are  not  doing  much  on  the  circuit ;  or,  at  least, 
we  do  not  yet  see  much  fruit,  though  some  few  appear  to 
be  serious,  and  some  have  professed  religion  at  their  homes, 
which  I  think  is  a  good  sign.  It  seems  to  indicate  that 
they  are  engaged  there.  Oh  !  may  the  Lord  pour  upon  his 
people  the  spirit  of  supplication,  that  their  prayers  may 
be  answered.  I  fear  that  Zion,  comparatively,  sits  soli- 
tary ;  and  in  some  places  there  seems  to  be  great  apathy 
on  the  subject  of  religion:  though  I  know  the  Lord  can 
do  all  things  ;  and  were  it  not  for  this  view  of  the  matter, 
I  should  be  perfectly  discouraged.  Oh !  that  God  would 
arise  and  maintain  his  own  cause,  and  let  his  enemies  be 
scattered  before  him — or  rather  subdued  by  the  power  of 
his  grace. 

"  I  see  a  great  need  for  a  closer  walk  with  Cod — for 
more  firmness,  meekness,  and  all  other  Christian  graces 
in  their  fulness.  I  do  fear  that  we  are  far,  very  far  be- 
hind, on  the  great  subject  of  sanctification.  It  surely 
must  be  our  privilege,  as  well  as  bounden  duty,  to  have 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


195 


all  our  affections,  appetites,  and  passions  purified ;  our 
judgments  corrected;  our  wills  refined,  by  divine  grace, 
so  that  they  may  readily  choose  what  is  good  and  accepta- 
ble to  our  heavenly  Father.  Jesus  died  for  us,  that  he 
might  redeem  us  from  all  iniquity.  I  know  it  requires  a 
sacrifice  to  attain  to  this  state.  Flesh  and  sense  must  be 
denied.    Indeed,  I  think  with  the  poet,  that  we  must 

'Kneel  and  pray  this  prayer: — 
Lord  God,  thy  will  be  done — thy  holy  will, 
Howe'er  it  cross  my  own ;  hard  labour  this, 
For  flesh  and  blood.' 

u  But  still  the  things  that  are  impossible  with  man  are 
possible  with  God.  But  surely  every  moment  we  need 
the  merit  of  the  Saviour's  death,  to  enable  us  to  do  this. 
Oh,  that  he  may  make  us  perfect !" 

There  docs  not  appear  to  have  been  any  very  extensive 
revival  on  the  circuit  during  the  summer.  But  Mr. 
Childs  did  not  abate  in  his  labours.  He  continued  the 
same  through  summer's  heat,  and  winter's  cold.  He  was 
always  at  work,  whether  successful  or  otherwise.  He 
acted  on  the  recommendation  of  Solomon  : — "  In  the  morn- 
ing sow  thy  seed,  and  in  the  evening  withhold  not  thy 
hand  :  for  thou  knowest  not  whether  shall  prosper,  either 
this  or  that,  or  whether  they  both  alike  shall  be  good." 
He  always  tried  faithfully  to  do  his  duty,  and  then  left 
consequences  to  God ;  and  yet  he  seemed  to  be  greatly 
pained  when  his  preaching  was  not  followed  by  the  con- 
version of  60uls.  He  was  always  too  ready  to  accuse  and 
condemn  himself  when  he  had  dispensed  the  word  of  life 
without  success. 

June  25th,  he  writes  to  Mrs.  Early,  in  which,  after 
mentioning  the  afflictions  of  a  member  of  the  family,  he 
says: — "No  doubt,  as  a  general  rule,  it  is  the  will  of  our 
heavenly  Father,  that  our  bodies  should  prosper,  and  be 
in  health  even  as  our  souls  prosper ;  but,  perhaps,  many 
of  us  have  to  say,  health  is  a  talent  that  our  Lord  may 
6ee  that  it  is  not  best  for  us  to  be  entrusted  with  ;  and, 
therefore,  for  wise  purposes,  withholds  this  boon.    Our  lan- 


196 


LIFE  OF  THE 


guage  should  be,  'most  gladly,  therefore,  will  I  suffer,  that 
the  power  of  Christ  may  rest  upon  me.'  But  I  seriously 
fear,  in  my  own  case,  this  desirable  end  is  not  accom- 
plished— that  I  do  not  at  all  times  suffer  according  to  the 
will  of  our  Heavenly  Father.  Perhaps  it  is  the  conse- 
rquence  of  my  own  imprudence.  I  need  more  grace,  that 
I  may  guard  this  point,  and,  as  the  poet  says, 

"  Leave  no  unguarded  place, 
No  weakness  of  the  soul." 

"  Oh  !  I  feel,  sister  E  ,  that  to  this  hour  I  am  too 

worldly — too  much  conformed  to  this  world — to  its  max- 
ims, its  customs,  its  spirit,  its  fashions.  '  Know  ye  not/ 
says  the  apostle,  'that  the  friendship  of  the  world  is  en- 
mity with  God?  if  any  man  will  be  the  friend  of  the 
world,  he  is  the  enemy  of  God.'  We  all  read  these  things; 
but  does  the  truth  have  a  practical  and  experimental  opera- 
tion upon  our  hearts  and  lives  ?  Alas  !  alas  !  I  fear  with 
too  many  of  us,  we  say,  Lord,  Lord,  and  do  not  the  things 
he  has  commanded.  Pray  for  me,  that  from  this  very 
hour  I  may  awake  and  keep  awake,  and  never  again  sleep 
in  any  carnal  security.  Nothing  short  of  the  direct  wit- 
ness of  the  Spirit  should  satisfy  us.  Oh !  that  we  may 
ever  enjoy  this  heavenly  pledge  in  our  bosoms.  Without 
we  have  it,  or  are  earnestly  seeking  after  it,  we  are  surely 
building  on  the  sand.  Oh  !  may  we  dig  deep,  and  lay 
our  foundation  upon  the  rock  of  eternity — even  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  his  doctrine,  his  example,  his  atoning  blood, 
his  Holy  Spirit. 

"  We  have  not  much  interest  on  the  circuit,  though  two 
souls,  in  the  neighbourhood,  professed  religion  during  the 
present  week." 

September  27th  he  writes  again  to  the  same : — 

"  How  many  are  our  blessings  compared  with  our  afflic- 
tions— perhaps  as  ten  thousand  to  one  ;  and  yet  how  the 
mercies  are  forgotten,  and  the  afflictions  numbered  and 
remembered !  How  clearly  this  shows  the  deep,  the  in- 
veterate corruption  of  our  nature  !  O  God,  for  Jesus'  sake, 
take  it  all  away,  and  write  indelible  lines  of  gratitude  upon 
our  hearts.    The  heathens  used  to  say,  to  call  a  man  «s- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


197 


grateful,  was  to  say  every  thing  bad  of  him  in  one  word. 
I  fear,  upon  a  retrospect  of  my  past  life,  that  this  dark  blot 
has  marked  almost  every  step  of  my  journey.  Pray  for 
me,  that  it  may  be  removed,  and  that  gratitude  and  praise, 
cordial  and  constant,  may  evermore  flame  to  heaven  from 
my  poor  heart.  It  is  what  our  God  expects.  'Angels 
look  down  for  heaven's  superior  praise— they  sing  creation; 
but  we  should  sing  redemption,  too  !'  I  see  and  feel,  I  had 
almost  said,  a  thousand  infirmities — perhaps  more;  but  is 
there  not  a  remedy  for  all  in  Jesus  ?  Oh  !  that  I  could 
hide  myself  in  the  cleft  of  his  side,  until  the  calamities  of 
life  be  overpast !  God  grant  that  we  may  find  an  asylum 
there  from  every  storm  ! 

"I  fear  we  are  doing  but  little  on  our  circuit;  a  few 
have  professed  religion  in  different  parts.  But  alas  !  alas  ! 
I  fear  there  is  lukewarmness  prevailing  to  a  great  extent, 
and  the  love  of  many,  it  is  to  be  apprehended,  waxes  cold. 
If  the  fault  be  in  me,  pray  that  it  may  be  taken  away, 
and  that  the  fire  of  love  may  burn  fervently  within.  I  do 
feel  thankful  that  I  am  out  of  perdition,  and  am  permitted 
to  live  where  I  may  recover  strength  before  I  go  hence, 
and  shall  be  seen  no  more  among  men.    I  want  a  faith 

'That  pain  and  death  defies, 
Most  vigorous  when  the  body  dies.' 

Let  us  strive  to  live  with  Jesus  in  the  vessel,  and  then  the 
billows  rise  in  vain.  Glory  be  to  God,  he  commands  the 
winds,  and  the  waves  obey  him.  May  we  ever  feel  that 
we  are  under  the  care  of  the  master  of  the  storm." 

The  foregoing  extracts  from  Mr.  Childs's  correspondence 
will  supply  the  reader  with  a  tolerably  well  connected 
history  of  his  religious  state,  and  of  the  success  which  at- 
tended his  ministry.  There  seems  to  have  been  nothing 
of  special  interest  on  the  circuit  during  the  year. 

The  Conference  was  held  in  the  month  of  November, 
in  the  town  of  Petersburg,  which  Mr.  Childs  attended, 
and  from  which  he  was  re-appointed  to  the  Cumberland 
circuit.  At  this  session  of  the  Conference  there  was,  by 
mutual  concession  of  the  parties  concerned,  a  friendly  ad- 


103 


LIFE  OF  THE 


justment  of  some  old  difficulties,  which  for  several  years 
had  interrupted  the  peace  and  harmony  of  the  brethren. 
This  was  a  source  of  the  highest  gratification  to  Mr.  Childs. 
He  rejoiced  over  it,  as  over  great  spoils.  He  always 
prayed  for  the  peace  of  Jerusalem;  and  nothing  wounded 
him  more  than  unfriendly  and  acrimonious  controversies 
among  his  brethren.  In  this  case,  it  had  well-nigh  drove 
him  from  the  Conference ;  but  the  return  of  peace  glad- 
dened his  heart,  and  was  to.  him  a  source  of  the  most  un- 
feigned delight.  He  alludes  to  the  matter  in  the  following 
letter : — 

Cumberland  Circuit,  December  IOtii,  IS 42. 

Dear  Sister  : — We  have  returned  to  the  parsonage, 
where  it  is  likely  we  shall  remain  during  the  winter,  if  our 
lives  are  spared.  Our  return  to  the  circuit  was  quite  un- 
expected, though  we  hope  it  will  be  for  the  best.  How 
much  we  need  your  prayers,  that  the  Lord  would  overrule 
all  things  for  his  glory  and  our  good.  My  principal  ob- 
jection to  returning  was,  a  fear  that  the  spiritual  good  of 
the  people  would  not  be  promoted  thereby.  I  know, 
however,  that  the  Lord  can  be  better  to  us  than  all  our 
fears.    May  it  be  so  in  this  case. 

You  no  doubt  have  greatly  rejoiced  in  the  amicable  ad- 
justment of  the  difficulties  that  pressed  many  of  the  bre- 
thren of  the  Conference.  The  Lord  grant  that  similar 
difficulties  may  never  arise.  Oh,  for  more  of  the  spirit 
of  forbearance  aud  forgiveness !  Without  this  it  is  im- 
possible to  get  along  either  temporally  or  spiritually. 

The  winter  seems  to  set  in  rather  gloomily,  especially 
for  the  accomplishment  of  much  good  in  religious  matters. 
We  have  done  very  little  since  Conference,  indeed,  we 
may  say,  nothing  at  all.  *  *  *  * 

Oh !  that  I  could  glorify  God  in  my  body  and  in  my 
spirit,  which  are  his. 

Affectionately,  your' brother  in  Christ, 
John  W.  Childs. 

The  year  1843  was  distinguished  by  nothing  remarkable 
in  the  life  of  Mr.  Childs.    Ilis  ministry  was  crowned  with 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


199 


a  measure  of  success,  but  not  with  any  very  extensive  re- 
vival. From  all  that  can  be  gathered  of  this  year's  labours, 
the  results  appear  very  similar  to  those  of  the  preceding 
year.  The  same  fidelity,  devotion,  and  zeal,  marked  his 
course,  that  we  have  seen  displayed  in  the  previous  poi-- 
tions  of  his  life. 

The  Kev.  John  M.  Saunders  was  his  colleague  on  the 
Cumberland  circuit  in  1843 ;  and  in  reply  to  a  letter  of 
inquiry,  in  relation  to  his  impressions  of  Mr.  Cbilds  as  a 
Christian,  a  minister  of  Jesus  Christ,  and  a  man,  he  has 
furnished  the  following,  which  we  take  pleasure  in  laying 
before  the  reader. 

u  It  certainly  affords  me  a  high  degree  of  pleasure  to 
be  of  the  least  service  to  you,  in  your  laudable  undertaking 
of  writing  the  life  of  my  dear,  departed  friend  and  bro- 
ther, the  Ilev.  Mr.  Childs. 

"As  to  my  'impressions  of  the  man.'  I  have  read  a 
little  upon  the  necessity  of  thorough  consecration  to  Al- 
mighty God ;  but  never,  in  the  course  of  that  reading,  was 
I  so  fully  convinced  of  the  essentiality  of  that  state  of 
piety,  until  it  was  my  happiness  to  be  associated  with 
Mr.  Childs  on  the  Cumberland  circuit  in  1843.  In  him 
I  found  a  living  representative,  as  I  believe,  of  this  blessed 
state.  I  say  nothing  of  philosophic  cause,  nothing  of  my 
being  a  creature  of  sense,  and  therefore,  like  Thomas,  de- 
termined not  to  believe,  until  the  evidence  of  sense  should 
make  its  impression;  this,  however,  I  do  say,  in  all  sin- 
cerity, that  the  ocular  demonstrations  of  entire  sanctity 
given  me,  in  the  life  of  this  holy  man,  fully  convinced  me 
of  its  absolute  necessity  and  attainableness  in  this  life. 
That  conviction  is  fresh  in  my  mind  to  this  hour. 

"  If,  therefore,  I  have  ever  made  one  personal,  moral 
effort  to  attain  to  this  happy  state  in  religion,  or  insisted 
on  its  importance  in  the  life  of  my  fellow-men,  it  is  di- 
rectly, or  indirectly  traceable  to  the  influence  of  this  man 
of  God  upon  my  heart  and  mind. 

"It  strikes  me  there  was  a  great  similarity  between 
the  holy  and  beloved  disciple,  John,  and  the  godly  man 
of  whom  I  write.    In  proof  of  this,  I  recollect  that,  on  a 


200 


LIFE  OF  THE 


certain  occasion,  he  advised  me,  with  considerable  force, 
to  keep  before  me  St.  John,  as  my  model  in  preaching. 
He  was  a  great  admirer  of  Mr.  Wesley,  but  St.  John  was 
his  model ;  and  I  really  think  there  were  strikingly  simi- 
lar elements  in  the  two  men. 

*  "I  watched  Mr.  Childs,  whenever  I  was  with  him,  very 
closely  :  not  with  an  evil  eye,  but  to  satisfy  my  own  mind 
of  the  extent  of  his  piety ;  and  I  assure  you  he  seemed  al- 
ways in  the  presence  of  his  Divine  Master. 

"In  the  past  history  of  the  Virginia  Conference,  it  will 
be  remembered  there  was,  for  a  time,  some  unfortunate 
sparring  between  some  of  its  members.  On  one  occasion 
there  was  something  said  that  seemed  to  excite  a  holy  in- 
dignation in  his  righteous  soul.  I  do  not  now  remember 
the  cause  of  this  indignation,  nor  do  I  think  he  was  per- 
sonally involved.  He,  however,  was  forced  to  take  the 
floor  in  vindication  of  the  honour  of  the  church.  As  he 
arose,  I  cast  a  searching  look  upon  him,  to  see  if  he  main- 
tained his  usual  complacency  amid  the  storm  that  was 
prevailing  around  him.  My  eyes  fell  immediately  upon 
that  calm  and  heavenly  face,  and  it  was  slightly  tinged 
with  crimson.  Never  shall  I  forget  the  sublime  moral 
effort  he  made  to  conquer  self.  And  conquer  he  did. 
After  giving  utterance  to  a  few  sentences  he  took  his  seat, 
and  that  face  again  wore  its  usual,  almost  transparent 
pallor. 

"  I  have  never  formed  the  acquaintance  of  so  prayerful  a 
man.  I  relate  an  incident  illustrative  of  this  statement. 
While  associated  with  him  in  1843,  I  was  spending  a  few 
days  at  the  parsonage  which  he  occupied,  situated  in  the 
immediate  vicinity  of  the  Buckingham  Female  College.  I 
was  seated  in  his  quiet  parlour,  either  reading  or  writing, 
when  my  attention  was  suddenly  arrested  by  the  hurried 
and  rapid  ringing  of  the  chapel  bell  of  the  college,  at  an 
unusual  hour.  I  left  the  room  in  great  haste  to  ascertain 
the  cause.  On  my  reaching  the  front  door  of  the  parson- 
age, to  my  surprise,  I  found  Mr.  Childs  standing  there, 
earnestly  engaged  in  prayer.  I  inquired  quickly  why  the 
bell  was  ringing,  looking  at  the  same  moment  in  the  di- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


201 


rection  of  the  college,  and  to  my  dismay,  saw  smoke  and 
flames  bursting  from  the  chimney,  and  a  part  of  the  roof 
of  the  building.  Before  I  could  advance  another  step,  he 
answered  very  calmly,  'The  college  is  on  fire,  and  I  do  not 
know  whether  it  would  be  more  beneficial  to  proceed  forth- 
with and  lend  them  physical  aid,  or  send  them  help  by  way 
of  prayer.'  I  looked  again — the  flames  were  extinguished. 
This  incident  gave  rise  to  conflicting  opinions  in  my  mind. 
The  first  thought  was  that  my  good  friend  was  an  enthu- 
siast, expecting  the  accomplishment  of  certain  ends  without 
the  use  of  appropriate  means.  The  second,  that  he  was 
truly  a  Christian  philosopher,  and  consequently  felt  assured 
that  the  great  God  to  whom  he  prayed  had  all  the  elements 
of  nature  under  his  control ;  and  that  in  answer  to  the 
prayer  of  faith  he  would  suppress  the  fury  of  that  flame. 
I  positively  declare  it  as  the  settled  conviction  of  my  own 
mind,  that  eternity  alone  can  develop  the  benefits  granted 
to  individuals,  to  communities,  and  to  the  church  of  Jesus 
Christ,  through  the  prayers  of  John  Wesley  Childs. 

M  In  my  intercourse  with  him  I  have  frequently  blushed 
for  very  shame,  at  the  contrast  between  his  industrious 
habits  of  study  and  devotion  and  my  own  slothfulness. 
He  was  truly  Wesleyan  in  his  habits.  His  hour  for  rising 
was  four  o'clock.  After  prayer,  he  would  open  his  Bible, 
and  study  it  upon  his  knees  for  hours  together.  I  think 
I  may  say  with  emphasis  he  was  homo  unius  libri.  He 
certainly  was  a  patient,  prayerful,  and  laborious  student  of 
the  Holy  Scriptures,  and  of  the  standard  works  of  the 
church.  Hence  he  was  an  approved  minister  of  Christ. 
And  though  by  nature  and  grace  a  son  of  consolation,  if 
necessary,  he  was  severely  faithful.  He  never  honeyed 
his  tongue  '  to  gain  earth's  gilded  toys,'  nor  avoided  the 
cross  endured  by  his  Lord.  On  a  certain  occasion  he  as- 
cended the  pulpit  as  if  determined  to  discharge  the  mus- 
ketry of  heaven  against  the  sins  of  his  congregation,  and 
many  that  day  received  dead  shots.  He  waxed  warm  as 
he  progressed  with  his  discourse,  and  at  last,  gathering 
himself  up  in  the  strength  of  his  master,  he  shouted  with 
terrific  and  startling  accents,  '  Death  to  the  abominable  sin 


202 


LIFE  OF  THE 


I  combat !  Death  to  adultery  in  all  its  degrees !"  There 
was  something  in  his  manner,  and  in  the  intonations  of  his 
voice,  that  really  made  the  wicked  tremble. 

"  Mr.  Childs  was  very  abstemious.  He  understood  the 
necessity  of  keeping  the  flesh  in  subjection — he  knew  its 
powerful  tendency  to  tyrannize  over  the  intellectual  and 
moral  man ;  hence  he  strove  with  the  apostle  to  keep  his 
body  under.  I  have  no  knowledge  of  the  rules  by  which 
he  was  governed  in  fasting.  I  have  often  been  struck 
with  his  extreme  temperance  in  eating  while  seated  with 
him  at  the  table.  It  was  a  matter  of  marvel  with  me  how 
the  small  quantity  of  food  which  he  received  sustained 
him. 

"In  his  social  intercourse  he  was  distinguished  for  his 
meek  gentility.  He  was  no  sickly  sentimentalist.  He 
felt  that  the  present  life  is  a  solemn  reality,  running  pa- 
rallel in  its  results  with  the  lines  of  eternity,  and  that  he 
had  neither  time  nor  license  to  trifle  with  his  fellow-men. 
He  seemed  to  say  in  every  thing  he  did — 

'Life  is  real !  life  is  earnest; 
And  the  grave  is  not  its  goal !' 

Still  I  never  knew  him  violate  a  single  law  governing 
well-bred  Christian  gentlemen.  In  discharging  what  he 
believed  his  pious  duty  in  the  private  circles  of  life, — such 
as  reproving  ladies  for  wearing  jewelry,  and  gay  and  costly 
apparel,  there  was  always  a  suavity  about  his  manner  that 
won  the  affection  of  the  subjects  of  his  reproof.  I  never 
knew  him  to  give  offence.  Once,  together  with  Professor 
L.  and  Brother  E.  we  were  enjoying  the  hospitalities  of 
a  Presbyterian  gentleman  and  lady.  The  lady  wore  seve- 
ral finger  rings,  and  a  large  and  costly  breast  pin.  We  were 
surprised  that  Brother  Childs  had  not  noticed  her.  In  that 
we  were  mistaken ;  he  had  noticed  her,  and  had  made  his 
arrangements  to  do  his  duty.  Accordingly,  when  we  were 
taking  our  leave  of  this  kind  family,  Mr.  Childs  took  her 
by  the  hand,  and  asked  her,  as  a  brother  in  Jesus,  '  My 
sister,  does  it  do  you  any  good  to  wear  that  jewelry  V  She 
smilingly  replied,  'No,  sir.'    'Then  why  do  you  wear  it, 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CniLDS. 


203 


my  sister  V  I  am  sure  he  impressed  that  family  with  his 
courtesy  as  a  gentleman,  and  his  faithfulness  as  a  Christian 
minister.  Peace  to  his  ashes — eternal  life  to  his  soul. 
Oh  !  that  the  mantle  of  his  piety  might  fall  on  some  mem- 
ber of  the  Virginia  Conference." 

Mr.  Childs  had  many  warm  and  devoted  friends  on  the 
Cumberland  circuit,  who  parted  with  him  at  the  end  of  his 
term  of  service,  with  unfeigned  regret.  He  had  endeared 
himself  to  them  by  his  faithfulness  as  a  pastor,  and  by  his 
honesty  as  a  preacher  of  the  everlasting  Gospel.  The 
church  had  been  profited  by  his  ministry,  and  he  had  not 
laboured  without  souls  for  his  hire. 

He  attended  the  session  of  the  Conference  held  for  that 
year  in  the  city  of  Richmond,  in  the  month  of  November, 
and  was  assigned,  for  the  year  1844,  to  the  Nottoway 
circuit. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 

NOTTOWAY  AND  CAMPBELL  CIRCUITS.     1844  AND  1845. 

Rather  dissatisfied— Old  difficulties — Determines  to  go  to  another  Con- 
ference— Letter — Division  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church — 
Leaves  the  circuit — Singular  providences — Detained  in  Lynchburg 
— Sickness  of  his  family — Letter — Abandons  the  idea  of  removal — 
Conference — Appointed  to  the  Campbell  circuit — Year's  labours — 
Conference — Sent  to  the  Bedford  circuit. 

TnE  Nottoway  circuit  lies  west  of  Petersburg,  and  be- 
tween the  Nottoway  and  Appomattox  rivers,  and  embraces 
one  of  the  most  interesting  sections  of  Virginia.  The 
society  is  polished  and  wealthy,  and  Methodism  occupies 
a  high  and  influential  position  in  the  county.  The  cir- 
cuit parsonage  is  located  on  the  outskirts  of  the  court- 
house village,  and  is  surrounded  by  a  most  pleasant  and 
delightful  community.  There  is  scarcely  an  appointment 
in  the  Virginia  Conference  that  presents  more  points  of 


204 


LIFE  OF  THE 


attraction  than  the  Nottoway  circuit.  A  part  of  this  cir- 
cuit was  included  in  the  Brunswick  circuit,  at  the  time 
Mr.  Childs  travelled  it  in  1831,  so  that  he  was  not  alto- 
gether unacquainted  with  his  new  charge. 

It  appears  that  something  of  rather  an  unpleasant  and 
disagreeable  character  had  occurred,  connected  with  his 
administration  of  discipline,  when  he  was  formerly  pastor 
of  the  Brunswick  circuit;  and  the  portion  of  the  circuit 
in  which  these  difficulties  had  transpired  was  now  em- 
braced in  the  Nottoway  charge.  This,  it  seems,  rendered 
the  appointment  a  cross  to  Mr.  Childs,  as  will  be  seen 
from  the  following  extract  of  a  letter,  written  to  a  friend 
a  short  time  after  his  arrival  on  the  circuit: — 

"  December  27,  1843. — We,  through  mercy,  are  tole- 
rably well,  and  have  gotten  to  the  parsonage,  but  find 
things  out  of  order;  however,  we  are  here,  and  hope  we 
shall  be  provided  for,  both  in  reference  to  our  souls  and 
bodies.  The  friends  have  been  tolerably  kind — some  of 
tbem  very  kind.    I  pray  that  the  Lord  may  reward  them. 

"  It  was  a  great  cross  for  me  to  come  to  this  circuit, 
owing  to  some  circumstances  which  transpired  when  I 
travelled  here  before ;  and  had  I  consulted  my  own  will  I 
should  have  laboured  to  have  had  it  otherwise;  but  this 
I  dared  not  do.  Not  that  there  was  any  thing  in  my 
mind  against  any  human  being  here,  or  elsewhere,  but  a 
fear  that  I  should  be  unacceptable  to  some  of  the  people. 
Pray  that  our  way  may  be  opened,  and  that  we  may  have 
a  year  of  prosperity,  and  many  souls  for  our  hire. 

"As  yet  we  have  done  but  little,  owing  to  the  incle- 
mency of  the  weather.  May  the  Lord  overrule  all  to  his 
glory,  and  the  people's  good ;  and  if  we  cannot  be  fishing, 
we  should  be  surely  striving  to  mend  our  nets." 

Mr.  Childs  seems  again  to  have  determined,  should  a 
kind  Providence  open  his  way,  to  remove  to  another  Con- 
ference. This  was  a  subject  that  occupied  much  of  his 
thoughts.  His  mind  does  not  appear  to  have  been  settled 
in  relation  to  this  matter,  and  yet  it  gave  him  a  great  deal 
of  anxious  thought  and  trouble.  What  his  reasons  were 
for  desiring  this  change  we  are  not  fully  advised ;  for  he 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


205 


scarcely  ever  says  more  in  his  correspondence  on  the  sub- 
ject, than  that  he  thought  he  might  be  more  useful  in 
another  part  of  his  Master's  vineyard ;  and  yet  he  was 
not  fully  satisfied  that  it  would  be  so  in  the  event  of  a 
removal. 

The  following  letter,  addressed  to  his  wife's  parents  in 
Mississippi,  will  more  fully  explain  his  state  of  mind  iu 
reference  to  this  whole  matter  : 

Nottoway  Court-house,  Va.,  Jan.  1st,  1844. 

Dear  Parents  : — Through  the  mercy  of  the  good  Lord 
we  are  tolerably  well,  and  have  arrived  in  safety  on  the 
circuit,  and  are  living  in  the  parsonage  located  at  this 
place.  Oh !  that  our  God  would  give  us  success  in  our 
labours,  and  make  us  wise  to  win  souls  to  Christ. 

We  sincerely  hope  that  this  may  find  you  in  good 
health  ;  but  above  all,  "  may  the  peace  of  God,  that  pass- 
eth  understanding,  keep  your  hearts  and  minds  through 
Christ  Jesus." 

We  have  been  contemplating  a  removal  from  this 
Conference  to  one  more  westerly,  but  have  been  rather 
providentially  hindered.  We  would  ask  an  interest  in 
your  prayers  that  the  good  Lord  may  guide  us  aright. 
If  I  thought  the  spirit  that  prompted  such  a  measure  was 
a  restless,  dissatisfied  spirit,  I  would  endeavour  at  once 
promptly  to  check  it.  My  prayer  is  that  the  Lord  would 
search  me,  and  try  me,  and  see  if  there  be  any  wicked 
way  in  me,  and  lead  me  in  a  plain  path.  I  think  I  can 
say  all  my  desire  is  a  larger  measure  of  grace  on  earth, 
and  a  brighter  crown  of  glory  in  heaven.  May  1  not  be 
disappointed  in  my  expectations.  "  We  must  suffer  with 
him  if  we  would  reign  with  him." 

May  the  God  of  Abraham  be  your  God,  and  your  guide  * 
all  vour  days  on  earth,  and  finally  take  you  to  heaven. 

Yours,  sincerely  and  affectionately, 

John  W.  Childs. 

It  does  not  appear  that  any  thing  of  interest  occurred 
on  the  circuit  during  the  winter  and  spring.    Indeed,  we 


206 


LIFE  OF  THE 


arc  strongly  inclined  to  think  that  the  state  of  Mr.  Childs's 
mind  in  relation  to  his  contemplated  removal  to  another 
Conference,  operated  very  considerably  against  his  ordi- 
nary success  in  dispensing  the  word  of  God.  In  the 
meantime,  the  General  Conference  of  1844  came  on,  and 
the  disastrous  results  of  that  memorable  session  swept 
over  the  whole  sunny  south  like  a  wintry  gale  from  Nor- 
way. The  minds  of  the  people  were  everywhere  turned 
to  the  unfortunate  controversy  that  sundered  the  great 
Methodist  family  into  two  separate  divisions;  and  the 
precious  time  of  our  ministers  and  membership  was  spent 
in  holding  meetings,  adopting  resolutions,  and  making 
speeches,  instead  of  the  vigorous  prosecution  of  the  great 
objects  of  the  ministry.  The  consequence  was,  a  sort  of 
spiritual  dearth  spread  over  the  land  for  a  while,  and  only 
here  and  there  did  a  refreshing  shower  fall  upon  the 
barren  and  thirsty  fields. 

During  the  session  of  the  Conference,  Mr.  Childs  wrote 
again  to  his  friends  in  Mississippi,  from  which  we  quote 
as  follows  : 

"  May'lAith,  1844. — We  have  great  cause  to  be  thankful 
to  a  kind  Providence  that  he  has  opened  the  hearts  of  his 
people,  and  so  far  our  wants  have  been  supplied.  Oh ! 
may  he  anoint  our  heads  with  oil,  and  may  our  cup  run 
over,  that  goodness  and  mercy  may  follow  us  all  the  days 
of  our  life,  and  that  we  may  dwell  in  the  house  of  the 
Lord  for  ever. 

"  We  hope  ere  this  you  are  fixed  somewhat  at  your  new 
home  :  but  beware  of  building  '  tabernacles'  here.  There 
can  be  no  doubt  that  all  our  afflictions,  losses,  disappoint- 
ments, or  whatever  we  meet  with,  are  intended  to  put  us 
in  mind  that  this  is  not  our  rest — that  it  is  polluted,  and 
will  destroy  us  with  a  sore  destruction  if  we  lean  upon  it. 
Mr.  Wesley  somewhere  makes  this  remark,  '  that  we 
should  embrace  every  event,  good  and  bad,  as  the  declared 
will  of  God ;  and  that  crosses  are  so  frequent  that  if  we 
make  improvement  of  them,  we  shall  make  swift  progress 
in  the  Divine  life.'  May  he  overrule  all  your  troubles  for 
your  good. 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


207 


"We  arc  still  meditating  a  removal  to  Kentucky,  or  far- 
ther west,  and  pray  that  Providence  may  direct  us. 

"  You  will  see  by  the  accompanying  paper  that  Bro.  E. 
is  in  New  York,  attending  the  General  Conference;  and 
you  will  also  see  by  the  same,  that  we  are  likely  to  have 
stormy  times.    May  a  good  Providence  guide  the  ship." 

Mr.  Childs's  family  was  now  rapidly  growing  up  around 
him.  He  had,  at  this  time,  four  daughters,  the  oldest  of 
whom  was  at  an  age  requiring  a  regular  course  of  instruc- 
tion. There  was  no  school  in  the  immediate  neighbour- 
hood of  the  parsonage  suited  to  her  age  and  advancement, 
and  he  therefore  employed  a  teacher  to  give  her  private 
instructions.  Speaking  of  his  children,  in  a  letter  to  a 
friend,  he  says — "  I  feel  that  it  is  a  solemn  and  responsible 
charge  to  bring  them  up  for  God  and  eternity.  Lord,  help 
us."  Mr.  Childs  loved  bis  children,  and  always  manifested 
the  deepest  interest  in  their  welfare,  spiritual  and  temporal. 
Yet  he  never  fondled  them.  He  did  his  utmost,  from  their 
childhood,  to  "  train  them  up  in  the  way  they  should  go." 
He  restrained  them  from  every  thing  that,  to  him,  had  the 
appearance  of  evil;  and  tried,  most  diligently,  to  make 
them  totally  disregard  the  fashions  and  worldly  amuse- 
ments of  the  day.  He  was  strict,  yet  mild  and  affectionate 
in  his  family  government. 

As  the  summer  advanced,  he  finally  determined  at  once 
to  carry  into  practical  effect  his  long-cherished  purpose  of 
removing  to  a  western  Conference ;  and,  in  the  month  of 
August,  rather  unexpectedly  to  his  charge,  he  adjusted 
the  affairs  of  the  circuit  as  best  he  could,  and  started  with 
his  family  for  Kentucky.  He  proceeded  as  far  as  Lynch- 
burg on  his  journey,  where  his  progress  was  arrested  by 
the  sudden  illness  of  three  of  his  children.  They  were  all 
attacked,  without  any  previous  exposure,  with  scarlet  fever. 
"What  was  a  little  remarkable  was,  that  at  the  time  of  their 
attack  there  was  no  case  of  scarlet  fever  in  the  town,  nor 
bad  he  or  his  family  been  in  any  family  or  neighbourhood 
in  which  it  was  prevailing. 

The  circumstances  under  which  his  children  were  pros- 
trated by  sickness,  made  a  powerful  impression  upon  his 


208 


LIFE  OF  THE 


mind,  and  yet  he  did  not,  during  the  early  stages  of  the 
disease,  abandon  his  purpose  of  pursuing  his  journey  on 
their  recovery.  But  one  of  the  children  continued  to  grow 
worse,  and  it  was  evident  that  a  protracted  illness  must 
follow,  if  indeed  she  stood  any  chance,  in  human  proba- 
bility, of  recovery.  Days  of  intense  anxiety  glided  away, 
as  she  continued  to  decline  under  the  increasingly  aggra- 
vated symptoms  of  her  fearful  malady— weeks  passed  on, 
and  yet  there  was  no  change  for  the  better.  Mr.  Childs 
then  began  to  look  upon  this  affliction  as  a  providential  in- 
terposition to  prevent  his  removal  from  the  Conference  of 
which  he  was  a  member.  He  prayed  for  Divine  direction. 
He  was  walking  in  darkness,  and  had  no  light.  He  was 
anxious  to  know  what  was  the  will  of  God  concerning  him. 
At  last  his  mind  settled  down  in  the  conviction  that  he 
was  travelling  out  of  the  order  of  Providence ;  and  he  de- 
liberately, and  with  perfect  acquiescence  in  what  he  be- 
lieved to  be  the  will  of  God,  resolved  to  abandon  all  idea 
of  his  long  contemplated  transfer  to  another  Conference, 
until  led  forth  by  a  Providence  that  he  could  not  mis- 
apprehend. 

During  the  continuance  of  the  sickness  of  his  children, 
he  wrote  the  following  letter  to  his  wife's  mother,  now  a 
widow,  from  which  the  reader  wiU-learn  something  ef  the 
state  of  his  mind  under  his  sore  and  distressing  trials : — 

Lynchburg,  Virginia,  September  10th,  1844. 
Dear  Motiier  : — We  have  received  several  letters  in- 
forming us  of  the  death  of  your  husband,  our  dear  father. 
While  we  feel  afflicted  at  our  loss,  yet  the  pleasing  thought 
that  our  loss  is  his  gain  greatly  mitigates  our  sorrow,  and 
causes  light  to  arise  in  the  darkness.  Oh !  that  it  may  be 
sanctified  to  our  mutual  good;  and  cause  us  more  prac- 
tically to  remember  that  this  is  not  our  home,  but  that  we 
are  pilgrims  and  strangers  upon  the  earth.  May  we  press 
on  in  our  journey,  and  by  faith  and  prayer  seek  a  happier 
clime,  where  there  will  be  no  more  night — no  more  pain — 
no  more  death.  May  you  all  find  the  grace  of  God  suffi- 
cient; and  while  he  chastens  with  one  hand,  0  may  he 


REV.  JOIIN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


209 


comfort  and  console  with  the  other.  May  that  God  who 
has  said,  "leave  thy  fatherless  children,  and  let  thy  widow 
trust  in  me"  be  your  stay  and  support  continually. 

Through  a  mysterious  chain  of  providences,  we  are  now 
at  Brother  Early's,  in  this  place,  where  we  have  been  for 
nearly  four  weeks,  detained  by  the  affliction  of  our  daughter 
Mary.  We  had  started  to  fulfill  a  purpose  that  we  have 
entertained  for  a  number  of  years  of  removing  to  the  west. 
We  had  started,  and  had  gotten  thus  far  on  our  way,  when, 
unexpectedly,  three  of  our  children,  Mary,  Ann,  and  Sarah, 
were  attacked  with  the  scarlet  fever.  Ann  and  Sarah 
slightly,  but  Mary  severely.  This  is  the  twentieth  day 
since  she  was  taken,  and  the  disease  has  scarcely  yet 
reached  its  crisis.  Poor  little  creature,  she  has  wasted 
away  almost  to  a  skeleton.  If  it  be  best,  God  can  raise 
her  up  again.  Pray  for  us.  For  the  present,  at  least,  we 
shall  defer  our  journey,  hoping  that  God  will  guide  us  by 
his  Holy  Spirit  into  all  truth.  "  How  mysterious  are  his 
ways,  and  his  judgments  past  finding  out."  "O  Lord, 
save  us,  and  gather  us  from  among  the  heathen,  to  give 
thanks  to  thy  holy  name,  and  to  triumph  in  thy  praise." 
We  need  much  of  your  prayers  that  we  may  be  guided  in 
the  good  and  right  way.  I  would  not  take  a  step  out  of  the 
order  of  Divine  providence.  *  *  *  * 

We  had  a  good  class-meeting  this  morning.  A  lot 
among  the  sanctified  is  still  the  prominent  matter,  I  trust, 
that  we  have  in  view.  Oh  !  that  we  may  so  live  and  rear 
our  children,  that  we,  with  all  our  charge,  may  meet  in 
heaven. 

May  the  light  of  him  who  is  above  shine  upon  your 
path.    The  Lord  be  your  shield  and  portion. 

Yours  affectionately, 

John  W.  Childs. 

Mr.  Childs,  in  this  attempt  to  remove  to  another  Confe- 
rence, acted  in  the  fear  of  God;  as  in  every  thing  else  he 
did;  and  when  he  saw  the  hand  of  the  Lord  closing  up 
the  way  before  him,  he  was  ready  to  stand  still,  and  see 
the  salvation  of  God.  For  seven  weeks  little  Mary  seemed 
is* 


210 


LIFE  OF  THE 


suspended  between  life  and  death,  and  by  the  time  she  be- 
gan to  recover,  the  autumn  was  advancing — the  Conference 
year  was  near  its  close,  he  determined  therefore  to  wait  her 
restoration  to  health,  abandon  the  thought  of  a  transfer, 
and  go  up  to  the  Conference  and  take  his  appointment 
with  his  brethren. 

Oct.  4th,  he  writes  :  "  "We  have  been  confined  in  Lynch- 
burg until  yesterday  afternoon,  when  for  the  first  time  we 

came  out  a  few  miles  to  Brother  31  's,  for  the  benefit 

of  dear  little  Mary.  She  is  still  very  feeble,  though  we 
trust  improving  gradually."  Thus  we  see,  few  nearly  two 
months  they  had  been  confined  with  their  sick  child. 
There  was  a  voice  in  this  providence  that  told  upon  the 
heart  of  Mr.  Childs.  He  felt  admonished  by  it,  and 
doubtless  would  gladly  have  retraced  the  steps  that 
brought  him  into  this  deep  water  of  affliction.  But  it 
had  the  effect  to  make  him  content  with  his  field  of  mi- 
nisterial labour. 

Mr.  Childs  took  occasion  to  carry  his  family  into  the 
bounds  of  the  Bedford  circuit,  among  his  old  friends, 
hoping  that  a  temporary  sojourn  among  them  might  pro- 
mote the  restoration  of  the  health  of  his  children,  and  at 
the  same  time  allow  him  to  interchange  Christian  saluta- 
tions with  a  number  of  families  that  were  much  beloved 
by  him.  Besides,  the  Conference  was  near  at  hand, 
which  was  held  that  year  in  Lynchburg,  and  he  did  not 
deem  it  advisable,  under  all  the  circumstances  of  the  case, 
to  return  to  his  circuit  for  the  remainder  of  the  year. 

While  in  Bedford,  at  the  house  of  his  particular  friend 
Garland  Poindexter,  Esq.,  he  wrote  to  Mrs.  E.,  of  Lynch- 
burg, on  the  22d  Oct.,  giving  an  account  of  the  cordiality 
.  of  his  old  friends — the  pleasure  he  enjoyed  in  being  thrown 
among  them,  and  the  success  which  had  attended  some  of 
the  meetings  at  which  he  had  been  present,  in  company 
with  the  Rev.  Mr.  J.,  who  had  charge  of  the  circuit.  He 
says — 

"  I  have  seen  a  number  of  my  old  friends  in  this  circuit, 
and  have  been  much  pleased  to  meet  with  them,  and  I  do 
hope  that  my  spending  my  time  in  this  way  until  Confe- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


211 


rence,  visiting  from  house  to  house,  and  preaching  as  op- 
portunity presents,  will  not  be  wholly  unproductive  of 
good. 

"I  think  I  can  say  my  soul  prospers  in  the  Divine  life, 
and  my  spirit,  in  some  measure,  feels  invigorated  to  do  the 
will  of  God." 

On  the  approach  of  Conference,  Mr.  Childs  returned 
with  his  family  to  Lynchburg,  and  attended  the  session, 
which  turned  out  to  be  a  stormy  one.  Difficulties  which 
were  supposed  to  be  dead  and  buried,  were  found  only  to 
have  been  in  a  state  of  suspended  animation.  They  sprang 
into  life,  apparently  invigorated  by  the  temporary  suspen- 
sion. On  one  occasion,  during  the  most  violent  part  of  the 
heated  and  unfriendly  controversy  that  agitated  the  whole 
body,  a  company  of  young  men,  looking  down  from  the 
gallery  of  the  church  in  which  the  Conference  was  held, 
saw  Mr.  Childs  in  a  remote  corner,  down  upon  his  knees, 
earnestly  engaged  in  prayer.  This  was  always  his  resort 
whenever  thrown  into  the  midst  of  danger,  or  whenever 
overtaken  by  sore  trials,  or  beset  with  temptations.  Prayer 
was  his  stronghold — to  this  he  flew  for  refuge  amid  all  the 
calamities  of  life,  and  here  he  hid  himself  beneath  the 
shadow  of  the  Almighty,  until  the  impending  storm  was 
overpast. 

From  this  Conference  Mr.  Childs  was  assigned  to  the 
Campbell  circuit,  which  lies  immediately  adjoining  the 
town  of  Lynchburg,  on  the  south  side  of  the  James  river. 
This  was  a  large  circuit,  embracing  a  tract  of  country  ex- 
tending from  the  James  to  the  Staunton  rivers,  and  from 
near  the  base  of  the  Peaks  of  Otter,  on  the  west,  to  the 
waters  of  the  Appomattox  on  the  east. 

It  was  convenient  for  Mr.  C.  to  leave  his  family  for  a 
short  time  with  their  friends  in  Lynchburg,  and  enter  at 
once  upon  his  regular  appointments,  immediately  on  the 
adjournment  of  the  Conference. 

We  have  no  material  from  which  to  supply  the  reader 
with  any  connected  detail  of  his  labours,  or  religious  ex- 
ercises while  on  the  Campbell  circuit.  We  only  know 
that  he  entered  fully  into  his  work.    lie  preached  the 


212 


LIFE  OF  THE 


word  with  great  power,  and  God  sanctioned  it  with  the 
demonstration  of  the  Spirit,  and  the  conversion  of  sinners 
from  the  error  of  their  ways. 

His  labours  were  chiefly  directed  in  behalf  of  the  mem- 
bership of  the  church,  and  were  blessed  to  a  considerable 
extent.  Much  of  his  time  was  employed  in  his  efforts  to 
establish  a  parsonage  on  the  circuit,  which  were  happily  at- 
tended with  success.  He  soon  obtained  a  subscription  for 
this  object  of  $1000,  which  was  applied  to  the  purchase  of 
a  desirable  house  and  lot  within  a  mile  of  the  town  of 
Lynchburg.  To  this  he  removed  his  family  at  an  early 
day,  and  found  himself  most  comfortably  situated  for  the 
year.  He  became  very  tenderly  attached  to  his  flock,  who 
in  return  were  devoted  to  him  as  their  pastor  and  spiritual 
guide ;  and  till  the  day  of  his  death  he  cherished  the  most 
devoted  Christian  regard  for  many  of  the  members  on  the 
Campbell  circuit.  It  was  a  pleasant  year  to  him  in  many 
respects;  the  only  thing  that  made  it  otherwise,  was  the 
failure  of  the  same  measure  of  success  which  had  attended 
his  ministry  in  other  places. 

Living  as  he  did  near  his  family  connections  and  friends, 
he  seems  not  to  have  had  any  correspondent  during  the 
year;  and  strange  to  say,  we  have  not  been  able  to  pro- 
cure a  single  line  from  his  pen  during  the  whole  time  of  his 
pastoral  oversight  of  this  circuit. 

At  the  end  of  the  year  he  attended  Conference,  and  was 
again  appointed  to  the  Bedford  circuit. 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


213 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

BEDFORD  CIRCUIT.  1846-47. 

His  Field  of  Labour— Extracts  from  his  Correspondence— No  exten- 
sive Revival — Conference — Return — His  peculiar  Views — End  of  the 
Year— Recollections  by  Rev.  J.  D.  Blackwell— Conference — Ap- 
pointed to  Brunswick  circuit. 

Again  we  meet  with  Mr.  Cbilds  on  the  Bedford  cir- 
cuit. Here  he  was  no  stranger.  He  was  well  acquainted 
with  the  people,  and  with  the  various  localities  within  the 
bounds  of  his  pastoral  charge.  Among  these  hills  and 
valleys,  and  around  these  rugged  mountains,  he  had  pre- 
viously spent  two  years  of  his  ministry,  in  building  up  the 
church,  and  in  calling  sinners  to  repentance.  His  voice 
bad  been  heard  echoing  among  the  rocks,  and  ringing 
through  the  forests,  as  he  sang  the  songs  of  Zion,  and 
proclaimed  the  words  of  salvation  in  the  midst  of  the 
gracious  work  that  crowned  his  labours  here  in  1839. 
Every  thing  was  familiar  to  him  on  his  return.  He 
had  gazed  before  upon  the  magnificent  array  of  natural 
scenery  that  everywhere  greeted  his  eye  in  the  monthly 
tour  of  his  circuit.  He  had  seen  the  rocky  summits  of 
the  lofty  "  Peaks  of  Otter"  kindle  with  the  first  rosy 
blush  of  day,  as  the  misty  shroud  was  lifted  from  their 
giant  shoulders  by  the  fairy  hand  of  morning.  He  had 
seen  the  evening  twilight  deepen  into  purple  along  the 
vales,  and  under  the  shadow  of  the  mountains,  while  yet 
the  "Peaks"  shot  up  like  burnished  shafts  in  the  golden 
light  of  the  sunken  sun.  He  had  seen  the  last  lingering 
pencil  of  light  fade  from  the  points  of  the  rocks,  and  vanish 
like  the  lights  of  hope  that  momentarily  cheer  the  path 
of  life. 

Here,  in  the  midst  of  these  familiar  scenes  and  associa- 
tions, we  find  him,  directly  after  Conference,  engaged  in 
his  regular  work.    His  family  were  comfortably  situated, 


214 


LIFE  OF  TITK 


at  an  early  period,  in  the  parsonage  at  Liberty ;  and  al- 
though some  of  them  were  afflicted,  yet  Mr.  Childs  him- 
self seems  to  have  submitted  without  a  murmur,  and  still 
pursued  with  unwavering  step '"the  even  tenor  of  his 
way." 

*  We  find  but  little  variety  in  his  correspondence  during 
his  stay  upon  the  circuit ;  and  the  diary  which  he  kept  at 
the  time  was  but  partial,  and  even  that  was  not  preserved, 
but  left  in  scattered  fragments  about  the  premises,  to  be 
read  by  accident  and  piecemeal  by  his  successor  on  the 
circuit.  Some  of  the  stray  leaves  were  picked  up  and 
read  more  than  a  year  after  he  left  the  parsonage,  which 
are  said  to  have  been  of  a  most  spiritual  character — almost 
too  high  for  mortal  attainment.  We  shall  therefore  make 
but  a  few  extracts  from  his  letters  written  during  his  pas- 
toral oversight  of  the  circuit  in  1846  and  '47,  and  hasten 
on  to  the  conclusion  of  this  biography. 

May  25th  he  writes  to  a  friend: — "We  should  be 
thankful  that  it  is  as  well  with  us  as  it  is.  In  soul,  I  fear 
that  we  are  far  behind  what  we  should  be.  Through 
mercy  my  bodily  health  is  tolerably  good,  though  I  have 
nothing  to  boast  of,  and  would  remember  that  my  life  is 
but  'a  vapor  that  appearcth  for  a  very  little  while  and 
then  vanisheth  away  forever.'  Oh  !  that  we  all,  by  a 
proper  improvement  of  it — brief  as  it  is — may  insure  a 
blissful  immortality.  I  fear  we  are  doing  very  little,  in  a 
religious  point  of  view,  though  there  are  some  drops  of 
mercy  here  and  there.  Oh  !  how  much  do  I  need  power 
from  on  high.  The  Lord  send  it  down  !  If  I  know  my- 
self, I  think  I  am  striving  to  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate. 
But  how  small  my  progress  !  I  see  a  thousand  imperfec- 
tions; but  still,  blessed  be  the  Lord,  he  is  my  portion, 

*-and  sometimes  I  have  enlivening  hopes  of  reaching 

'  The  goodly  land, 
With  peace  ami  plenty  blest.' 

"I  want  more  energy  as  a  minister  to  administer  whole- 
some church  discipline.    0  Lord,  assist  me." 

Again  he  writes  to  the  same,  June  9th  : — "  If  I  under- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


21f 


stand  my  end  and  aim  as  a  Christian,  holiness  is  the  ob- 
ject I  have  in  view ;  and  my  prayer  is  that  every  thing 
may  conduce  to  ibis  desirable  end.  Surely  it  is  the  will 
of  God,  even  our  sanctification  ;  but  how  slow  of  heart  are 
we  to  learn  what  our  heavenly  Father  would  teach  us ! 
O  Lord,  do  not  give  us  up  to  strong  delusion,  but  show 
us  the  path  of  life,  that  we  may  see  light  in  thy  light,  and^ 
have  fellowship  one  with  another;  and  may  the  blood  of 
Jesus  cleanse  us  from  all  sin.  Surely  he  is  able  to  save 
to  the  uttermost.  Oh  !  may  we  experience  the  height  and 
depth,  and  length  and  breadth,  of  'the  great  salvation  !' 

"  You  stated  in  your  last  that  you  had  no  comfort  in 
reading  the  Scriptures.  Yield  not  to  the  tempter.  I 
would  say,  read  them  as  the  first  book  in  the  morning — 
read  them  with  fasting  and  prayer,  as  you  are  able ;  and 
above  all,  read  with  a  determined  resolution  to  practice  what 
is  therein  taught.  Oh !  that  we  may  have  courage  and 
resolution  to  bear  the  cross  of  Christ,  and  God  surely  will 
be  with  us ;  and  in  the  mean  time  let  us  remember  that 
Jesus  bore  all  our  sins  in  his  body  on  the  tree.  As  far  as 
my  poor  experience  goes,  I  find  that  public  duties  will  not 
supply  the  place  of  private.  May  the  Lord  help  us  to 
imitate  the  example  of  the  great  Master.  I  would  say,  be 
resolved  that  you  will  devote  so  much  time  to  private 
prayer  each  day.  De  Renty  says,  '  the  less  we  visit  our 
closets,  the  less  the  relish;  the  more  frequently,  the 
greater  the  sweetness  there.'  " 

About  the  same  time  he  WTote  to  another  friend,  in 
which  he  says  : — "  We  are  not  doing  much  on  our  circuit ; 
perhaps  it  may  be  owing  to  our  own  want  of  vigilance  and 
fidelity.  The  Lord  make  us  more  active,  useful,  and 
energetic ;  and  may  the  work  of  the  good  Lord  speedily 
revive." 

July  21st,  he  writes  to  the  same  : — "Every  thing  here 
admonishes  us,  that  here  we  have  no  continuing  city. 
There  is  no  paradise  in  this  world,  and  our  wisdom  cer- 
tainly is  to  seek  one  to  come.  Oh  !  that  we  may  thus 
imitate  the  example  of  the  patriarchs,  Abraham,  Isaac, 
and  Jacob,  who  desired  a  better  country,  that  is,  a  heavenly; 


216 


LIFE  OF  THE 


on  which  account  God  was  not  ashamed  to  be  called 
their  God,  for  he  had  prepared  for  thetn  a  city.  Though 
we  know  all  this,  how  prone  are  we  to  forget  it. 

"  I  am  striving  to  make  some  improvement  in  the  divine 
life.  The  Lord  remove  every  stumbling-block  and  hin- 
drance out  of  the  way." 

The  year  passed  away  without  any  extraordinary  work 
of  grace  on  the  circuit,  yet  not  without  the  conversion  of 
souls,  and  additions  to  the  church.  The  summer  and 
autumn,  in  their  turn,  glided  by,  and  the  Conference  came 
on,  without  the  occurrence  of  any  thing  of  particular  note, 
connected  with  the  history  of  Mr.  Childs.  The  granite  of 
the  mountains  around  was  not  more  stable  and  firm  than 
he.  Always  the  s*ne  honest,  humble,  devout  Christian, 
and  faithful  minister  of  Jesus  Christ. 

He  attended  the  session  of  the  Conference  held  for  that 
year,  in  the  month  of  November,  at  Randolph  Macon  Col- 
lege, near  the  village  of  Boydton ;  from  which  he  was  re- 
turned to  the  Bedford  circuit  for  the  year  1847.  He  en- 
tered at  once  upon  his  work,  and  pursued  it  through  the 
severity  of  the  winter,  with  an  energy  that  never  tired, 
and  a  zeal  that  never  waxed  cold.  He  still  held  the  same 
views  as  to  the  duty  of  self-denial  and  cross-bearing  that 
we  have  seen  exhibited  in  the  previous  portions  of  his  life. 
But  there  is  so  little  variety  presented,  either  in  his  cor- 
respondence, or  daily  walk,  that  we  deem  it  unnecessary 
to  detain  the  reader  with  any  detailed  account  of  his  year's 
labours. 

April  22d,  1817,  he  says,  in  a  letter  to  a  particular 
friend  : — "  We  are  not  doing  much  on  the  circuit — 

'  I  work,  and  own  my  labour  vain, 

And  then  from  works  I  cease; 
I  strive  and  see  my  fruitless  pain, 

Till  God  create  my  peace'— 

or,  rather,  till  he  command  us  to  let  down  the  net  on  the 
right  side  of  the  ship,  and  then  we  shall  enclose  a  multi- 
tude of  fishes.    Oh,  may  he  hasten  the  time  ! 

"  I  wish,  sister,  that  I  could  see  many  things,  if  they  are 
right,  in  a  different  light  from  what  I  do  see  them.  But, 


REV.  JOHX  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


217 


1  assure  you  ray  energies  have  been  well-nigh  paralyzed 
by  many  things  that  have  occurred.  Still  God  is  my  por- 
tion, and  I  feel  that  I  love  him,  and  I  want  to  love  him 
more,  and  serve  him  better." 

July  10th. — He  says,  in  a  letter  to  a  distant  friend  and 
relative  of  the  family,  "  Our  children  seem  to  enjoy  good 
health ;  oh,  that  we  may  be  able  to  bring  them  up  aright 
—that  their  wills  may  early  be  subdued  to  their  parents — 
to  Christ.  *  *  *  I  feel  that  I  am  less  than  the  least 
of  all  his  saint?,  but  he  nevertheless  condescends  to  bless 
even  me.  How  necessary  to  live  as  we  would  wish  to  die, 
and  so  to  die  that  we  may  rise  triumphant  in  the  resur- 
rection of  the  just." 

Mr.  Childs  was  generally  beloved  on  the  Bedford  circuit. 
He,  however,  was  not  without  his  enemies.  In  the  dis- 
charge of  his  pastoral  duties  during  the  term  of  his  service 
on  the  circuit,  he  was  called  upon  to  exercise  discipline 
in  certain  cases,  which  excited  the  hostility  of  some  persons 
against  him.  We  shall  learn,  presently,  the  spirit  in  which 
he  received  and  bore  this  opposition. 

The  Rev.  J.  D.  Blaekwell  was  his  colleague  on  the  Bed- 
ford circuit  in  1847  ;  and  in  answer  to  a  letter  of  inquiry, 
in  relation  to  his  impressions  of  Mr.  Childs,  he  has  kindly 
furnished  us  with  the  following  communication,  which  we 
take  pleasure  in  laying  entire  before  the  reader. 

Dear  Brother  : — I  was  with  Mr.  Childs  on  the  Bed- 
ford circuit  in  1817. 

In  the  order  of  your  questions,  I  give  1st,  a  statement 
of  my  recollection  and  impressions  of  the  man  as  a  Chris- 
tian. His  life  evinced  that  he  was  sincere.  While  he 
professed  to  believe  that  temporal  blessings  were  far  infe- 
rior to  the  approbation  of  God,  and  the  consequent  hope  of 
eternal  bliss,  he  did  not  permit  the  things  of  time  to  en- 
gross all  his  thoughts,  and  command  all  his  energies. 
Wherever  he  was,  by  whatever  circumstances  surrounded, 
his  life  was  always  in  strict  correspondence  to  his  faith ; 
in  difficulties,  through  evil  and  good  report,  his  conduct 
seemed  constantly  to  proclaim,  "  none  of  these  things  move 


218 


LIF£  OF  THE 


me,  neither  count  I  my  life  dear  unto  myself,  so  that  I 
may  have  God's  support  in  time,  and  his  reward  in  eter- 
nity." 

.  He  was  not  an  enthusiast — he  was  a  Bible  Christian, 
and  expected  spiritual  blessings  only  in  the  use  of  the 
means.  He  read  the  Scriptures  frequently  every  day  for 
devotional  purposes,  and  prayed  almost  without  ceasing. 
It  was  his  practice  to  read  the  Bible  on  his  knees,  an  hour 
every  morning,  and  perhaps  at  night  also. 

On  one  occasion,  when  our  presiding  elder  remarked 
to  me  in  his  presence,  that  the  piety  of  a  certain  brother 
had  been  the  occasion  of  his  death  while  travelling  on 
foot  in  a  snow  storm,  Mr.  Childs  laid  aside  his  studies,  and 
knelt  in  prayer.  When  he  arose  he  said,  "  Ah,  brethren, 
we  have  but  little  to  fear  from  excessive  piety — when 
men  begin  to  spend  whole  nights  wrestling  in  prayer  to 
God  it  will  be  time  enough  then  to  warn  them  of  the  evils 
of  excess." 

His  sincerity  and  consistency  were  shown  in  every  thing. 
When  he  bowed  and  prayed  for  a  revival  he  arose  and  la- 
boured for  it ;  when  he  cried  to  God  for  audience,  he  was 
careful  not  to  "  regard  iniquity  in  his  heart ;"  when  he 
prayed  to  be  forgiven,  he  forgave.  But  it  is  useless  for 
me  to  say  more  here ;  his  practice  in  reference  to  devo- 
tion is  known  to  you.  Suffice  it  to  say,  he  guarded  with 
a  godly  jealousy  his  own  heart,  in  every  point. 

His  attainments  in  religion  were  of  the  highest  order. 
Love  was  the  spring  of  his  actions;  so  pure  were  all  his 
motives  that  the  man  seemed  almost  a  locomotive  procla- 
mation :  "  Glory  to  God  in  the  highest,  and  on  earth  peace, 
good-will  to  men."  He  could  pray  for  and  love  his  ene- 
mies, and  rejoice  amid  their  persecutions. 

By  his  decision,  acquitting  an  accused  member  of 
crimes  alleged  against  him,  he  procured  the  ill  will  of  some 
who  were  hostile  to  the  accused  member.  It  so  happened, 
that  at  the  invitation  of  the  teacher,  Mr.  Childs  made  an 
appointment  to  preach  at  a  school-house  on  the  land  of  one 
of  his  enemies.  The  owner  objected  to  the  house  being 
used  for  that  purpose.    He  said  to  a  neighbour,  "  I  have  no 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CniLDS. 


219 


objection  to  preaching  being  had  here,  but  Childs  is  not  the 
man  :  he  is  a  hypocrite  ;  he  tells  lies."  To  prove  the  spirit 
of  Mr.  Childs,  I  stated  to  him  literally,  what  I  had  heard ; 
when  he  smiled  very  pleasantly.  I  remarked,  "  Brother 
Childs,  it  seems  to  please  you."  "  Well,  brother,  the  Scrip- 
ture says,  'rejoice  and  be  exceeding  glad.'  I  am  sorry 
that  I  should  be  an  occasion  of  offence ;  but  it  is  a  great 
consolation  to  feel  that  I  have  a  clear  conscience." 

2.  As  a  Preacher  and  Pastor. — On  this  head  I  do  not 
intend  to  say  much. 

He  was  certainly  a  sound,  searching,  faithful,  practical 
preacher.  There  was  not  a  particle  of  incoherent  rhap- 
sody in  his  discourses ;  he  was  a  systematic  and  clear 
expounder  of  his  text.  While  he  prayed  for  light,  he 
studied  for  it  also.  He  read  often  the  standard  writers 
of  our  church :  and  that  he  might  have  time  for  study, 
redeemed  his  hours  from  useless  employment. 

His  reading  was  not  sufficiently  general,  I  think ;  yet 
such  was  his  application,  that  the  unstudious  lounger  in 
the  ministry  can  find  no  countenance  in  his  example.  He 
6tudied  to  make  himself  a  workman  that  needed  not  to  be 
ashamed.  And  having  thus  learned  his  Master's  will,  he 
shunned  not  to  declare  the  whole  counsel  of  God.  This 
he  did  affectionately,  frequently  referring  to  the  necessity 
laid  upon  him.  Often  have  I  heard  him,  when  dealing 
plainly  with  his  hearers,  say,  °  Brethren,  I  must  speak 
plainly ;  if  I  do  not,  I  know  that  God  will  have  a  contro- 
versy with  me." 

As  a  pastor,  I  never  expect  to  see  his  like  again.  He 
felt  it  his  duty  and  pleasure  to  visit,  whenever  he  could, 
the  people  of  his  charge.  He  talked  with  them,  and 
with  their  children,  (spes  gregis),  of  duty  aud  of  heaven. 
He  heard  the  complaint  of  their  afflictions,  and  pointed 
them  to  the  source  of  comfort ;  he  exhorted  them  to  holi- 
ness, and  prayed  with  and  for  them  every  opportunity 
— indeed,  he  seemed  to  make  opportunities ;  he  was  instant 
"in  season,  out  of  season."  I  refer  you  to  Acts,  20th  ch., 
18th  and  27th,  and  also  31st,  33d,  and  35th  verses,  with 
this  remark,  that  had  you  been  with  him  on  the  Bedford 


220 


LIFE  OF  THE 


circuit,  you  -would  doubtless  ngree  with  me,  that  that  lan- 
guage is  but  a  beautiful  description  of  his  spirit  and  labours 
while  there.    He  was  au  apostolical  man,  and  certainly  in 

the  succession. 

.3.  As  a  Friend  and  Comjianion.  As  a  friend  he  was 
of  course  faithful  and  true. 

As  a  companion,  he  was  decidedly  pleasant  and  agreeable 
to  all  who  did  not  permit  a  false  notion  of  his  austerity  to 
drive  them  into  an  unconquerable  reserve.  His  fixedness 
of  purpose  to  gain  heaven  did  not,  as  some  supposed,  draw 
off  his  thoughts  entirely  from  earth.  He  would  at  times 
converse  cheerfully  of  our  worldly  interests  and  employ- 
ments, and  would  generally  enliven  his  conversation  Cyan 
appropriate  quotation  from  some  good  author,  and  some- 
times by  an  amusing  and  striking  anecdote.  Yet  it  was 
evident  that  all  his  words  and  acts,  as  so  many  converging 
lines,  tended  to  one  common  point;  all  his  prayers,  study, 
labours  looked  directly  to  the  advancement  of  the  glory 
of  God. 

I  will  say  nothing  more,  as  I  know  but  few  incidents  illus- 
trative of  his  character ;  and  my  general  impressions  are 
only  such  as  perhaps  will  be  given  you  from  other  sources. 
What  I  have  written  I  most  cheerfully  send  you  to  be  used 
just  as  you  think  proper. 

With  the  best  wishes  for  your  success  in  your  under- 
taking, I  remain  yours  in  Christ, 

J.  D.  Blackwell. 

The  Conference  for  this  year  was  held  at  Charlottesville, 
near  the  University  of  Virginia.  He  attended  the  session, 
and  took  a  more  active  part  in  its  deliberations  than  usual 
for  him.  From  the  seat  of  the  Conference  he  wrote  to  his 
wife,  from  which  we  make  the  following  extract.  After 
giving  an  account  of  his  safe  arrival  in  Charlottesville — 
the  health  of  the  preachers,  and  other  things  by  the  way, 
be  says,  "  What  a  world  we  live  in  !  Oh  !  my  dear  Martha, 
let  us  properly  improve  our  time  and  talents  that  we  may 
get  ready  to  live  in  another.  My  dear,  watch  over  our 
children,  and  let  us  not  take  our  example  from  those  around 
us,  but  from  the  Word  of  God,  and  the  pious  who  have 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


221 


lived  before.  How  earnestly  should  we  offer  up  the  prayer 
of  the  poet — 

'  Still  stir  me  up  to  strive, 
With  thee  in  strength  divine.' 

May  we  be  renewed  daily,  and  revived  every  moment. 
It  is  my  wish  that  we  should  both  be  wholly  given  up  to 
God — body,  soul,  and  spirit." 

From  this  Conference  Mr.  Childs  was  assigned  to  the 
Brunswick  circuit,  than  which  no  appointment  in  the  Con- 
ference could  have  been  more  agreeable  to  him.  It  was 
one  of  the  first  circuits  he  travelled — he  had  many  warm 
friends  within  its  bounds,  and  it  was  every  way  pleasant 
to  his  feelings  to  return  to  it,  after  an  absence  of  about 
twenty  years. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 

BRUNSWICK  CIRCUIT.  1848-49. 

Removes  his  family  to  the  Parsonage  at  Lawrenceville — Is  pleased 
with  his  appointment — Old  friends — Sickness  in  his  family — Un- 
abating  zeal — Conference — Returned — Letter  to  Mrs.  E. — The  work 
of  the  Lord  revives — Carries  his  daughter  to  college — Letter  to  her 
— The  work  of  the  Lord  progresses — Other  letters  to  his  daughter 
— Year  draws  to  a  close — He  regrets  to  leave  the  circuit — Strong  at- 
tachments— Conference — Appointed  to  Gloucester  circuit — Further 
recollections  by  Rev.  J.  G.  Claiborne. 

Mr.  Chtlds's  return  to  the  Brunswick  circuit  was  hailed 
with  pleasure  by  the  good  people  of  that  charge.  Every 
thing  was  put  in  readiness  for  his  reception,  and  he  forth- 
with, on  the  adjournment  of  Conference,  removed  his  family 
to  the  parsonage,  located  at  Lawrenceville,  and  entered 
immediately  upon  his  regular  work.  The  greetings  of  his 
old  friends  were  pleasant  to  him,  and  the  cordiality  with 
which  he  was  everywhere  received  by  his  people  was  ex- 


222 


LIFE  OF  THE 


ceedingly  gratifying.  He  found,  at  nearly  every  appoint- 
ment, members  of  the  church  who  had  been  received  by 
him  as  the  fruits  of  the  gracious  revival  that  crowned  his 
labours  when  he  travelled  the  circuit  in  1829.  He  had  a 
heart  for  his  work,  and  went  at  it  in  good  earnest. 

He  was  still  intent  in  all  his  plans  and  purposes  to  save 
his  own  soul,  while  he  laboured  for  the  salvation  of  others. 
Writing  to  a  friend,  December  20 tb,  1847,  he  says, — 
"Oh!  let  us  beware  of  suffering  any  thing  to  fill  up  the 
capacity  of  the  soul  but  Christ  in  God.  May  we  dwell  in 
him,  and  may  he,  by  his  word  and  Spirit,  dwell  in  us." 

To  his  mother-in-law,  January  19th,  1848,  he  writes  :— 
"You  have  doubtless  learned  from  the  papers  that  we 
are  sent  to  the  Brunswick  circuit  this  year.  It  is  a  cir- 
cuit that  I  travelled  about  twenty  years  ago,  at  which  time 
we  had  a  gracious  revival  of  religion.  A  few  are  still  left 
who  were  alive  then;  but  how  many  changes  have  taken 
place !  How  many  have  gone  into  eternity,  and  how  soon 
we  shall  be  gone  !  Oh,  that  we  may  be  perfectly  prepared 
for  the  change ! 

"  We  have  a  good  parsonage,  in  a  retired  place,  though 
sufficiently  near  to  Luwrenceville  to  make  it  agreeable. 
We  have  met  with  kind  friends,  who  have  shown  us  many 
marks  of  Christian  affection,  for  which  we  would  praise 
the  good  Lord.  May  his  blessing  be  upon  them,  and 
may  our  coming  be  profitable,  both  to  them  and  to  us, 
that  the  name  of  God  may  be  glorified  through  Jesus 
Christ." 

In  the  early  part  of  the  year  Mr.  Childs  had  a  good 
deal  of  sickness  in  his  family,  all  of  which  he  met  with 
that  resignation  and  quietness  for  which  he  was  so  remark- 
able. He  saw  and  acknowledged  the  hand  of  God  in  all 
his  providences,  and  believed  him  to  be  alike  good  in  what 
he  gives,  permits,  or  withholds.  He  was  ever  steadfast, 
unmovable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord. 
As  the  spring  advanced  the  work  of  the  Lord  revived  to 
some  extent;  and  some  siuners  were  converted  to  God. 

Mr.  Childs  seems  to  have  been  very  much  pleased  with 
his  circuit.    April  18th,  he  writes  to  a  friend, — "We 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


223 


have  still  very  kind  friends  here;  and  if  we  could  see  the 
work  of  the  Lord  revive,  I  know  of  no  circuit  that  I  should 
be  better  pleased  with.  Do  earnestly  pray  that  the  Lord 
may  mightily  revive  his  work  of  conviction,  conversion, 
sanctification,  and  reclamation." 

May  13th  he  writes  to  the  same: — "We  have  seen 
nothing  special,  or  at  least,  to  no  great  extent,  in  the  circuit. 
Several  have  been  converted,  and  a  number  of  the  coloured 
people  seem  to  be  moved  upon.  Oh !  that  there  may  be  a 
mighty  work  among  both  white  and  coloured,  and  that 
the  name  of  our  God  may  be  honoured.  But  I  fear  in- 
iquity abounds,  and  the  love  of  many  waxes  cold.  Lord 
God,  arise,  maintain  thine  own  cause." 

We  can  glean  nothing  of  special  interest  or  importance 
from  Mr.  Childs's  correspondence  during  the  remainder  of 
the  year.  His  spiritual  condition  seems  to  have  continued 
such  as  we  have  seen  it  through  the  previous  years  of  his 
religious  life.  He  never  swerved  from  his  duty — he  never 
grew  weary  in  his  work.  Onward,  was  his  watchword. 
His  habits  of  devotion  were  strictly  kept  up;  and  as  he 
advanced  in  years  he  seemed  rather  to  quicken  his  pace 
than  lag  by  the  way.  He  preached  with  great  zeal  and 
power,  and  the  word  of  the  Lord  dispensed  by  him  was  in- 
strumental in  the  accomplishment  of  the  happiest  results. 
It  is  true,  that  the  additions  to  the  church  were  not  so 
numerous  as  had  followed  his  labours  iu  some  of  the 
former  years  of  his  ministry;  but  he  did  not  labour  in 
vain.  The  Lord  gave  him  souls  for  his  hire,  and  seals  to 
his  ministry. 

His  bodily  health  was  better  than  it  had  been  for  some 
time  past,  and  he  was  able  to  undergo  more  fatigue,  and 
perform  more  work  than  usual  for  him;  and  this  he  did 
with  a  willing  mind,  and  a  thankful  heart. 

He  spent  a  pleasant  and  happy  year  on  the  Brunswick 
circuit,  in  1848,  and  went  up  to  the  Conference  in  an  im- 
proved state  of  health,  and  in  a  comfortable  state  of  mind. 
The  session  was  held  in  the  town  of  Elizabeth  city,  North 
Carolina,  in  the  early  part  of  the  mouth  of  November. 
At  the  opening  of  the  session  he  wrote  to  his  wife,  in 


224 


LIFE  OF  THE 


which,  after  giving  her  information  of  bis  safe  arrival  at 
the  seat  of  the  Conference,  the  health  of  the  brethren,  the 
kindness  of  the  family  with  which  he  was  stopping,  &c, 
he  adds,  "I  hope  you  will  earnestly  pray  that  the  good 
Lord  may  direct  us  in  all  things,  by  his  word  and  spirit, 
'and  especially  in  reference  to  our  next  appointment.  My 
dearest  Martha,  I  hope  you  are  better;  and  I  would  say, 
watch  over  the  wills  and  tempers  of  our  dear  little  ones 
with  a  vigilant  eye.  Oh !  that  God  may  help  us  to  raise 
them  up  for  himself." 

The  state  of  the  health  of  Mr.  Childs's  family  made  it 
necessary  for  him  to  leave  before  the  adjournment  of  the 
Conference ;  but  while  he  remained  he  took  a  lively  in- 
terest in  the  proceedings,  and  spoke  more  than  once  on  a 
subject  that  engaged  the  attention  of  the  Conference. 

He  was  returned  to  the  Brunswick  circuit  for  the  year 
1849,  which  was  every  way  agreeable  to  himself  and 
family.  Being  already  in  the  circuit,  he  was  prepared, 
without  an  hour's  delay,  to  enter  on  his  work. 

The  following  letter,  written  to  Mrs.  E.,  of  Lynch- 
burg, shortly  after  his  return  from  Conference,  will  give 
the  reader  some  tolerably  correct  idea  of  his  spiritual  state 
at  the  time  of  which  we  are  now  writing. 

Lawrcnceville,  Va.,  Nov.  22d,  1848. 

Dear  Sister  E. :  I  trust  this  will  find  you  and  yours 
in  the  possession  of  health,  and  pursuing  the  things  that 
are  eternal.  Oh !  how  important  that  we  live  every  mo- 
ment for  eternity.  Soon  it  will  be  said  of  us  we  are  no 
more.  May  we  bear  the  yoke  of  Christ  while  we  have 
time  and  opportunity.  The  night  cometh  when  no  man 
can  work.  Oh  !  that  we  may  work  out  our  salvation  '  while 
it  is  called  to-day/ 

I  feel  more  and  more  my  need  of  grace — of  humility  in 
particular.  I  think  that  I  have  some ;  but  I  desire  such 
a  measure  thereof,  as  will  enable  me  to  witness  that  hu- 
miliations give  me  real  pleasure.  Surely  this  is  our  privi- 
lege as  well  as  duty.  Mr.  Fletcher  seems  to  have  attained 
to  this  state.    The  Lord  help  us  to  follow  him  in  this,  as 


REV.  JOHN'  WESLEY  GUILDS 


225 


he  followed  Christ.  I  fear  that  this  is  not  the  mark  aimed 
at  by  many.  I  know  that  we  can  all  talk  of  an  aunt 
Martin,*  and  can  speak  well  of  her  life,  and  our  language 
is,  "  let  me  die  her  death;"  but  while  we  all  "  may  like  the 
purchase,"  yet  "  few  are  willing  to  pay  the  price,"  and 
this,  doubtless,  is  the  reason  why  there  are  so  few  "  burn- 
ing and  shining  lights."  Oh  !  that  the  refining  grace  of 
God  may  make  us  altogether  like  him  "who  was  meek 
and  lowly  in  heart,"  that  we  might  find  the  true  and  solid 
rest  for  our  souls.  Oh  !  to  live  in  the  continual  victory  of 
the  grace  of  God.  Bishop  Asbury,  in  his  Journal,  pro- 
fesses to  have  enjoyed  it.  Surely,  what  others  have  en- 
joyed, is  equally  our  privilege  to  attain  unto. 

I  thank  you  for  the  work  sent  my  daughter.  I  read  it 
last  summer,  and  was  pleased,  and  I  hope,  profited.  What 
she  says  about  consecration  is  good  ;  but  the  cross  must  be 
lorne.  "The  preaching  of  the  cross  is,  to  them  that 
perish,  foolishness ;  but  to  them  that  are  saved,  it  is  the 
power  of  God."  Oh,  that  this  mighty  power  may  work 
in  us  to  will  and  to  do  of  his  good  pleasure  !***** 
Yours  affectionately, 

John  W.  Childs. 

About  the  same  date  of  the  above,  he  wrote  to  his 
mother-in-law  in  Mississippi,  in  which  he  says :  "  We  are 
sent  back  to  the  Brunswick  circuit.  They  are  a  kind  peo- 
ple; but  I  fear  we  are  not  so  spiritual,  as  a  church,  as  we 
should  be.  Bray  that  God  may  raise  up  the  decayed 
places  of  Zion. 

"  May  light  shine  on  your  tabernacle  day  and  night. 
What  is  every  thing  else  compared  to  this  !  Soon  time 
will  be  swallowed  up  in  eternity !  Oh,  that  ours  may  be 
a  blessed  immortality  ! 

"  We  are  still  trying  '  to  hold  faith  and  a  good  con- 
science,' though  we  find  'it  is  through  much  tribulation 
we  are  to  enter  the  kingdom  of  God.'    But  if  we  enter  at 


*  An  eminently  pious  Christian,  that  had  for  many  years  been  an 
ornament  of  the  church  in  Lynchburg,  and  died  most  triumphantly. 


226 


LIFE  OF  THE 


last,  we  shall  be  amply  compensated  for  all  we  suffer  in 
this  world. 

'  The  rougher  the  way, 
The  shorter  the  stay; 
The  tempests  that  rise 

Shall  gloriously  hurry  our  souls  to  the  skies.' 

I  pray  that  we  all  may  safely  enter  the  harbour  of  eternal 
repose  at  the  last.' 

Mr.  Childs  now  had  a  large  family  of  children,  and  he 
seems  to  have  felt  an  exceedingly  lively  interest  in  their 
mental  culture.  He  found  some  difficulty  in  procuring 
for  them  the  tuition  that  exactly  suited  his  taste  and  re- 
ligious views.  Withal,  he  had  a  great  deal  of  sickness  in 
his  family ;  and  he  had,  necessarily,  a  large  share  of  care 
and  responsibility  devolved  upon  him.  Fortunately  for 
himself,  he  enjoyed  better  health  than  usual,  and  was,  by 
the  blessing  of  G  od,  enabled  to  sustain  all  his  labours, 
and  "in  patience  to  possess  his  soul."  He  never  ne- 
glected his  work.  His  appointments  were  regularly  met; 
and  he  laid  himself  out  to  the  extent  of  his  ability,  in  his 
ministerial  and  pastoral  calling.  The  great  Head  of  the 
church  was  with  him,  and  his  labour  was  not  in  vain  in 
the  Lord. 

With  the  opening  spring  and  summer,  the  work  of  the 
Lord  revived,  and  precious  seasons  of  refreshing  visited 
various  parts  of  the  circuit.  This  was  exceedingly  cheer- 
ing to  the  heart  of  Mr.  Childs.  Nothing  delighted  him 
more  than  to  witness  the  increasing  piety  and  zeal  of  the 
membership  of  his  charge,  and  the  return  of  sinners  to 
God. 

In  the  month  of  August  he  sent  his  eldest  daughter  to 
the  Buckingham  Female  College,  and  placed  her  under 
the  tuition  and  care  of  the  liev.  J.  C.  Blackwell,  the 
President  of  the  Institution.  Her  removal  from  the  pa- 
rental roof  led  to  a  new  correspondence,  in  which  the 
views  and  feelings  of  Mr.  Childs,  as  a  father,  are  more 
fully  developed  than  we  have  heretofore  seen  them. 

It  would  be  tedious,  and  unnecessarily  enlarge  the  pre- 
sent work,  to  lay  all  his  letters  to  his  daughter,  while  at 


REV.  JOHN   WESLEY  CHILDS. 


227 


college,  before  the  reader.  It  seems  that  he  deliberated 
long,  and  prayerfully,  before  he  determined  on  sending 
her  to  college,  and  then  reserved  to  himself  the  right  to 
prescribe  the  studies  that  she  should  pursue. 

After  leaving  her  at  the  institution,  to  which  he  carried 
her  himself,  he  writes  to  her  in  a  letter,  dated  August 
15th,  1849  :  "  My  dear  Margaret :  Your  father  was  sorry 
to  leave  you  so  soon,  and  felt  much  for  you  after  he  left. 
I  hope  you  were  able,  in  a  proper  spirit,  to  possess  your 
soul ;  and  that  you  have  a  good  room,  pleasant  and  pro- 
fitable room-mates ;  that  you  are  pleased  with  your  teachers, 
fare,  &c,  and  that  you  are  making  advancement  in  your 
studies.  Strive,  my  dear,  to  improve,  by  employing  all 
your  time,  though  not  to  injure  your  health.  *  *  *  *  Oh  ! 
my  dear  Margaret,  pray  much,  read  your  Bible  attentively 
and  diligently,  and  let  this  begin  and  end  every  day  ;  and 
neglect  not  to  stop  awhile  at  noon  for  this  purpose. 

"  Say  to  Mr.  B  that  we  wish  him  to  put  you  on  a 

thorough  English  course.  As  you  have  commenced  the 
French,  you  had  better  pursue  it.  If  I  saw  the  way,  I 
should  be  glad  to  give  you  an  opportunity  to  attend  to 
other  studies ;  but,  .at  present,  I  do  not." 

Sept.  4th,  he  says  to  her :  "  We  were  gratified  to  hear 
from  you,  and  that  you  were  well.  "We  hope  that  you 
will  endeavour  first,  to  grow  in  grace  and  in  the  knowledge 
of  your  Saviour;  and,  secondly,  to  make  all  the  advance- 
ment possible  in  your  studies. 

"  You  are  right  in  entering  upon  the  English  course, 
and  the  French ;  but  music,  my  dear,  is  what  I  have  my 
doubts  about,  and  fear  that  it  will  seriously  militate  against 
your  other  studies.  It  is  solid,  useful  learning,  that  I 
wish  you  to  seek  after.  Try  to  dive  to  the  bottom  of 
every  thing  that  you  undertake,  and  rest  not  content  with 
a  smattering.  Now,  the  time  taken  up  with  music,  de- 
tains you  from  other  and  more  important  subjects;  and 
besides,  I  do  not  feel  able  to  meet  the  expense. 

"  My  dear,  it  is  your  true  good  that  I  would  earnestly 
pursue.  This  world  is  but  a  dream — an  illusion  ;  our  real 
home  lies  beyond  the  grave.    Try  and  keep  this  imprinted 


228 


LIFE  OF  THE 


on  your  heart  continually.  *  *  *  My  dear  Margaret,  let 
not  the  world  ensnare  you.  Human  hearts  and  looks  both 
deceive  us.  Let  your  heart  be  a  garden  sealed  to  all  but 
the  Lord." 

There  was  a  gracious  work  of  grace  progressing  on  the 
circuit  during  the  time  of  which  we  are  now  writing,  and 
a  considerable  number  of  valuable  additions  were  made  to 
the  church.  In  his  letters  he  speaks  of  several  persons  by 
name,  that  he  had  had  the  happiness  of  seeing  converted ; 
and  states  in  one,  that  about  ninety  had  professed  religion 
on  the  circuit.  The  good  work  continued  until  the  close 
of  the  year;  but  we  are  not  advised  how  many  were 
gathered  into  the  church. 

Mr.  Childs  was  strongly  attached  to  the  Brunswick  cir- 
cuit. In  almost  every  letter  he  wrote  to  his  friends,  he 
says  something  of  the  kindness  of  his  dear  people,  and  ex- 
presses more  than  ordinary  regret  at  the  prospect  of  a  se- 
paration from  them.  They  were  in  his  heart  to  live  and 
die  with  them;  but  his  duty  called  him  away. 

In  closing  up  his  work  for  the  year,  it  was  mutually 
painful  to  him  and  to  his  beloved  charge  to  exchange  the 
last,  sad  farewell.  But  he  commended  them  to  God,  and 
the  word  of  his  grace,  and  they  parted,  not  without  hope 
of  again  enjoying  each  others'  society  in  this  life.  How 
little  did  they  think  that  in  this  expectation  they  were  to 
be  disappointed. 

On  the  eve  of  his  departure  from  the  circuit  he  wrote  a 
letter  to  his  daughter,  in  which  he  speaks  of  his  regret  in 
leaving  "  the  dear  and  kind  friends"  as  he  calls  them,  on 
the  Brunswick  circuit;  and  then  says  to  her  :  "Endeavour, 
my  dear  child,  to  grow  wiser,  better,  holierand  happier  every 
day  you  live.  Consider  that  day  as  lost,  in  which  you  do  not 
make  some  improvement  both  for  this  world  and  that  which 
is  to  come.  Be  diligent  in  the  improvement  of  your  precious 
time — be  regular  in  the  means  of  grace,  and  tbe  good  Lord 
will  be  with  you.  Above  all,  eye  your  blessed  Saviour — 
consider  his  example,  his  doctrine,  his  atonement  for  sin- 
ners, his  spirit  that  he  has  promised  to  them  that  believe; 
and  the  God  of  love  and  peace  will  be  with  you." 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


229 


Having  finished  his  work  on  the  circuit,  he  left  his  family, 
and  repaired  to  the  seat  of  the  Conference,  held  for  that 
year,  November  Tth,  in  the  town  of  Petersburg,  from  which 
place  he  wrote  to  his  wife,  at  the  commencement  of  the 
session,  giving  her  an  account  of  his  trip,  his  safe  arrival, 
his  happiness  in  meeting  with  the  brethren,  the  pleasant 
family  in  which  he  was  quartered,  &c,  &c;  and  then  adds, 
"  I  pray  the  good  Lord  may  be  with  you  both  in  soul  and 
body.  As  far  as  you  can,  my  dear,  try  to  subdue  the  wills 
of  the  children ;  but  remember,  it  only  can  be  done  by 
patient  perseverance  in  well  doing.  May  the  Lord  help  us 
to  pursue  this  course." 

To  his  daughter  he  wrote,  at  the  same  time: — "I  send 

you  by  Brother  B  a  bundle  sent  you  by  your  mother, 

and  a  pair  of  shoes,  which  I  hope  will  fit.  But,  above  all, 
my  dear  Margaret,  try  to  get  a  new  heart,  and  'your  feet 
shod  with  the  preparation  of  the  gospel  of  peace.'  Oh  ! 
may  you  so  live  as  always  to  have  the  approbation  of  God, 
and  also  the  good-will  of  your  teachers." 

From  this  Conference  Mr.  Childs  was  assigned  to  the 
Gloucester  circuit,  lying  on  the  north  side  of  the  York 
river,  in  the  lower  part  of  Virgiuia.  This  was  the  last  ap- 
pointment that  he  received-  at  the  hands  of  the  Con- 
ference. How  little  did  he  or  his  brethren  think,  wheu 
they  separated  at  Petersburg,  at  the  close  of  the  session, 
that  they  had  met  for  the  last  time. 

In  the  early  part  of  this  biography  we  laid  a  part  of  a 
communication  before  the  reader,  written  by  the  Rev.  John 
G.  Claiborne,  of  Brunswick,  promising  the  remainder  at 
a  later  period  in  the  life  of  Mr.  Childs.  As  it  relates  es- 
pecially to  his  life  and  labours  while  on  the  Brunswick  cir- 
cuit, we  here  insert  it,  as  an  appropriate  close  to  this 
chapter.    Mr.  Claiborne  says  : —  * 

"By  the  Conference  in  November,  1847,  he  was  again 
appointed  Pastor  of  the  Brunswick  circuit.  Twenty  years 
had  transpired  since  his  separation  from  us,  yet  the  savor 
of  his  name,  and  the  fruits  of  his  ministry  were  still  fresh 
in  the  church,  and  his  return  was  welcomed  by  the  hearty 
congratulations  of  the  brethren. 

20 


230 


LIFE  OF  THE 


"  With  his  accustomed  promptitude  he  was  soon  in  posi- 
tion, and  with  activity  and  earnestness  he  commenced  the 
offices  of  his  ministry.  Time  and  grace  had  matured  and 
mellowed  the  fruits  of  the  spirit  in  him,  and  patience  had 
imparted  experience  to  zeal. 

"Moreover,  he  had  become  a  husband  and  a  father,  and 
his  affections,  exercised  in  these  relations,  had  expanded  to 
a  larger  circle,  in  which,  however,  they  ever  and  anon  re- 
turned to  the  great  centre  of  religious  devotion,  fraught 
with  the  offerings  of  gratitude  and  praise.  He  had  more 
regard  to  temporal  interests  than  formerly,  but  not  less  de- 
votion to  spiritual  and  eternal  things.  He  had  acquired 
by  grace  the  mastery  over  his  affections,  and  as  a  generous 
master  he  relaxed  the  severity  of  discipline  by  which  he 
bad  subjected  tbem.  The  prominent  features  of  his  early 
character  still  identified  the  man ;  and,  though  softened  by 
conjugal  and  paternal  fondness,  they  distinctly  expressed 
'  Holiness  to  the  Lord/  as  his  distinguishing  character- 
istic. 

"  His  sermons  were  more  rhetorical  than  formerly,  but 
still  they  were  enforced  by  the  sanction  of  '  Thus  saitb  the 
Lord.'  In  fact,  he  was  so  conversant  with  the  Scriptures, 
and  bad  so  carefully  and  habitually  appropriated  their 
phraseology  to  the  expression  of  his  thoughts,  that  be 
rarely  spoke  his  own  words,  but  adopted  the  words  of  Holy 
Writ  as  the  vehicle  of  all  his  communications,  ecclesiasti- 
cal and  social.  His  sermons  were  generally  doctrinal,  im- 
pressive and  practical,  and  always  profitable  to  edify  and 
minister  grace  to  the  hearers.  His  hymns  and  spiritual 
songs  were  well  selected,  chaste  and  rich  in  pious  sentiment, 
and  rarely  failed  to  elevate  the  devotional  affections  of  the 
heart.  1  never  beard  from  him  one  of  those  vulgar  ditties 
which  sensualize  our  Psalmody,  and  mock  the  soul's  aspi- 
rations to  mingle  its  notes  with  the  melody  of  Heaven. 

"  In  the  class  room  and  family  circle  he  was  faithful,  fond 
and  feeling;  and  few  ever  enjoyed  these  interviews  with 
him  who  did  not  desire  to  repeat  them. 

"  In  his  intercourse  with  families  he  sought  so  to  associate 
religion  with  household  offices,  as  to  win  the  hearts  of  the 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


231 


children  to  their  Father  in  Heaven,  and  the  obedience  of 
the  servants  to  their  Divine  Master  ;  and  I  take  this  oppor- 
tunity to  publish  my  testimony  in  vindication  of  his  charac- 
ter from  the  imputation  of  abolitionism,  that  modern  fana- 
ticism, which,  Uzza-like,  assumes  to  anticipate  the  provi- 
dence of  God,  and  to  direct  and  drive  the  chariot  of  his 
grace.  To  this  spirit  our  brother  Childs  had  no  affinity ; 
to  this  enterprise  his  mission  did  not  extend;  he  recognised 
but  one  servitude,  and  esteemed  that  only  liberty  where- 
with Christ  doth  make  free.  On  this  subject  I  had  often 
full  and  frank  conversation  with  him ;  and,  slaveholder  as 
I  am,  and  justifying  as  I  do  this  relation,  I  fully  endorse 
his  opinion  on  this  subject. 

"  He  continued  pastor  of  this  circuit  two  years, — ever 
present  at  his  post — faithful  to  his  duties;  and  copiously 
anointed  with  the  unction  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  he  was,  and 
could  not  but  be,  distinguished  as  instrumental  in  diffusing 
the  knowledge  of  God,  and  in  building  up  the  church  in 
its  most  holy  faith. 

"  We  parted  with  him  as  before,  assured  that  we  never 
knew  a  holier  man,  or  a  more  faithful  minister  of  God. 
Indeed,  he  cautiously  avoided  those  positions,  in  which  the 
remarkable  incidents  of  life  occur,  and  like  the  holy  patri- 
arch of  old,  he  is  most  distinguished,  as  well  as  best  de- 
scribed, by  the  brief  statement,  1  He  walked  with  God,  and 
is  not,  for  God  hath  taken  him.' 

"Commending  your  generous  design  to  publish  his  life, 
for  the  benefit  of  his  family,  I  herewith  contribute  my 
humble  prayer,  that  it  may  glorify  God,  in  honouring  his 
deceased  servant,  edify  the  church,  and  minister  consola- 
tion and  aid  to  our  bereaved  sister  and  her  fatherless  chil- 
dren. I  herewith  enclose  three  letters  from  our  beloved 
brother  ;  1  had  many  others,  but  cannot  lay  my  hands  on 
them.  Together  with  this  communication  they  are  sub- 
mitted to  your  disposal ;  when  they  have  served  the  pur- 
pose to  which  they  are  adapted,  please  return  them  to  me. 

"  Very  truly  and  affectionately  your  brother  in  Christ, 
John  G.  Claiborne." 


232 


LIFE  OF  THE 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

GLOUCESTER  CIRCUIT.  1850. 

Leaves  Lawreneeville — Starts  to  Gloucester — Leaves  his  family  on  the. 
way — Letter  to  his  daughter — Letter  to  Mrs.  E. — Visits  the  circuit  to 
prepare  for  the  reception  of  his  family — Letter  to  his  wife — Difficulty 
in  procuring  a  suitable  parsonage — Removes  to  the  circuit — Rapid 
development  of  consumption — Unable  to  preach — Confined  at  home 
— Reflections — Winter  passes  away — Preparations  to  go  to  Norfolk 
— Rev.  James  E.  Joyner's  letter — Arrives  in  Norfolk — Carried  to  his 
brother's — Medical  attention — Conversations — Resignation — Closing 
scene — Remains  carried  to  Lynchburg — Funeral  discourse  by  Rev. 
G.  W.  Langhorne — Burial. 

On  the  adjournment  of  the  Conference  in  Petersburg, 
Mr.  Childs  returned  to  the  parsonage  at  Lawreneeville, 
and  made  arrangements  for  his  departure  to  his  new  ap- 
pointment. 

On  his  way  to  Gloucester  he  passed  through  Petersburg, 
where  he  spent  the  Sabbath  in  the  family  of  Mr.  Peter 
Boisseau;  and,  although  very  much  indisposed,  he  preached 
in  the  evening,  at  the  High-street  church.  From  Peters- 
burg he  went  out  into  the  country  to  the  house  of  his 
highly-esteemed  Christian  brother,  Charles  Friend,  Esq., 
where  he  designed  leaving  his  family  until  he  could  visit 
his  circuit  and  make  arrangements  for  their  reception  and 
accommodation. 

While  at  Petersburg,  he  commenced  a  letter  to  his 
daughter,  which  he  concluded  at  Mr.  Friend's,  from  which 
we  nmke  the  following  extract : — "  We  left  the  friends  in 
Brunswick  with  reluctance,  for  many  of  them  were  very 
kind.  May  the  good  Lord  give  them  an  hundred  fold  in 
this  world,  and  in  the  world  to  come  give  them  life  ever- 
lasting." 

November  28th,  Wednesday,  he  adds  :  u  We  are  now  at 
Brother  Friend's.  We  left  Petersburg  on  yesterday.  Bro- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


233 


ther  and  Sister  B  were  very  kind  to  us  during  the 

few  days  of  our  sojourn  with  them. 

"I  hope,  my  dear  Margaret,  that  you  are  still  striving 
'  to  enter  in  at  the  strait  gate.'  May  you  see  the  way  of 
holiness  and  aspire  after  it  with  zeal ;  and  remember  this 
is  the  mark  of  the  prize  of  our  high  calling. 

"  I  have  been  quite  unwell  ever  since  we  left  Brunswick. 
I  hope,  however,  if  it  be  best,  that  I  may  recover ;  but  I 
desire  in  every  thing  to  say,  '  The  will  of  the  Lord  be 
done;  even  so,  Amen.  Come,  Lord  Jesus.'  Oh!  may  he 
come  to  save  and  bless  on  earth,  and  then  take  us  to 
heaven.  Your  affectionate  father, 

il  John  W.  Childs." 

Before  leaving  Mr.  Friend's,  he  wrote  the  subjoined 
letter  to  Mrs.  Early  : — 

At  Rev.  C.  W.  Friend's,  Chesterfield  County,  Dec.  3d,  1849. 

Dear  Sister  E.  : — This  will  inform  you  that  we  are 
thus  far  on  our  way  to  our  destined  field  of  labour.  I  have 
been  a  good  deal  unwell  since  Conference,  but  hope  I  shall 
get  better.  I  expect  to  start  for  Gloucester  to-morrow.  I 
shall  leave  my  family  at  Brother  Friend's  for  the  present. 

I  know  not  whether  our  appointment  will  be  a  profitable 
one  or  not.  I  trust  I  had  no  hand  in  it,  and  therefore  I 
feel  the  more  resigned  to  Divine  providence.  I  know  that 
in  a  thousand  instances  we  know  not  what  is  really  for 
our  good. 

There  is  no  parsonage  on  the  circuit,  and  I  cannot  tell 
what  difficulties  there  may  be  in  our  way ;  but  we  trust 
the  good  Lord  will  provide,  and  that  all  things  will  work 
..together  for  our  good. 

We  have  certainly  left  many  dear  friends  in  Brunswick 
that  have  given  us  many  proofs  of  their  Christian  kind- 
ness.   Our  residence  there  was  a  very  agreeable  one. 

I  see  a  thousand  imperfections  in  myself;  not  that  the 
Gospel  is  not  sufficient  to  purify ;  but,  alas !  poor  man  is 
so  weak — so  inconstant.  I  am  sure  if  I  were  more  dutiful 
and  diligent,  that  God  would  give  me  a  thousand  proofs 


234 


LIFE  OF  THE 


of  his  faithfulness,  his  providence,  and  grace,  that  are  now 
obscured  by  the  partial  and  uneven  obedience  that  I  ren- 
der. Oh  !  that  he  would  forgive  all  that  is  past,  and  en- 
able me  to  see  how  odious  sin  is,  in  whatever  covert  way 
it  may  present  itself  to  the  soul ;  and  God  grant  me 
strength  to  repel  it,  whether  presented  secretly  or  openly. 
Oh  !  I  long  for  holiness — for  purity.  It  is  this  that  I 
pant  after  more  than  after  gold  or  silver,  or  the  cattle 
upon  a  thousand  hills.  May  he  give  me  the  desire  of  my 
heart. 

Whether  our  low-country  circuit  will  be  for  good  or  ill 
is  problematical.  Pray  that  God  may  overrule  it  for  the 
good  of  our  souls  and  bodies.  The  salt  air,  the  change  of 
diet,  &c,  who  can  tell  but  God  may  sanctify  them  strangely 
for  our  good  ?  Oh  !  had  we  the  spirit  of  Charles  Wesley 
when  he  sung — 

"  Welcome  alike  the  crown  or  cross — 
Trouble  I  cannot  ask,  or  rest, 

But  ever  groan, 
Father,  thy  only  will  be  done." 

May  it  be  accomplished  by  us,  in  us,  and  through  us;  by 
the  thoughts  of  our  hearts,  by  the  words  of  our  lips,  by 
the  works  of  our  hands,  and  by  the  actions  of  our  lives. 
Pray  earnestly  for  us,  that  our  Redeemer  may  uphold  us 
continually.  "  Unsustained  by  thee  we  fall."  Lord,  hold 
us  up  in  our  goings.    Our  love  to  every  one. 

Affectionately  yours  in  Christ, 
John  W.  Childs. 

This  is  the  last  letter  he  wrote  to  his  Lynchburg  cor- 
respondent. 

'  Mr.  Childs  left  his  family  at  Mr.  Friend's,  in  Chester- 
field county,  and  set  out,  on  horseback,  for  the  Gloucester 
circuit.  He  spent  the  first  night  in  Richmond,  and  at  the 
close  of  the  second  day  from  Richmond,  he  reached  the 
house  of  Mr.  Jefferson  Stubbs,  the  recording  steward  of 
the  Gloucester  circuit.  From  Mr.  Stubbs's  he  wrote  to 
his  wife,  giving  an  account  of  his  trip  and  the  prospects 
before  him.    He  says  : — 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


235 


**  I  left  Richmond  early  yesterday  morning ;  travelled 
all  day  without  getting  any  thing  to  eat,  and  had  to  put 
up  at  a  tavern  at  night.  I  was  treated  kindly,  and  for  my 
fare  had  to  pay  one  dollar  and  a  quarter,  which  I  thought 
very  reasonable,  considering  they  gave  me  a  clean  bed,  &c. 
'  I  crossed  the  Mataponi  a  little  after  sunrise  this  morning, 
and  have  travelled,  say  thirty-seven  miles,  to  get  here  an 
hour  by  sun.  *  *  *  *  I  cannot  as  yet  say  any  thing  about 
our  prospects.    Oh  !  may  God  open  the  way  for  us." 

The  above  was  written  on  the  evening  of  December  7th. 
Saturday  morning,  December  8th,  he  adds — "  Oh  !  could 
we  get  that  spirit  that  teaches  us  to  be  careful  for  nothing, 
but  in  every  thing,  by  prayer  and  supplication,  with 
thanksgiving,  to  make  our  requests  known  to  God.  Oh  ! 
my  dear  Martha,  could  we  do  this,  how  much  more  holy, 
how  much  more  happy  should  we  be.  Lord,  give  us  this 
spirit  for  the  sake  of  Jesus.  My  cough  gets  no  better; 
though  I  hope,  if  it  can  be  best,  it  will  pass  away. 

"  There  is  no  chance  for  us  to  go  to  housekeeping  before 
the  first  of  January.  Possession  of  the  house  cannot  be 
obtained  before  that  time." 

There  was  no  parsonage  on  the  Gloucester  circuit,  and 
the  stewards  had  to  rent  and  furnish  a  house  for  the  occu- 
pancy of  Mr.  Childs's  family.  They  found  it  difficult  to 
procure  a  desirable  location,  and  were  compelled  at  last  to 
rent  an  ineligible  and  uncomfortable  dwelling,  but  it  was 
the  best  that  could  be  done  at  that  time. 

The  aspect  of  affairs  was  rather  gloomy  and  discouraging 
to  Mr.  Childs.  The  winter  was  setting  in  ;  his  family  was 
large,  and  at  a  considerable  distance  from  his  circuit ;  some 
time  must  elapse  before  a  parsonage  could  be  provided  for 
him;  great  inconvenience  must  necessarily  attend  his  re- 
moval to  the  circuit;  and  withal  his  health  was  rapidly 
failing.    But  these  things  did  not  move  him. 

At  an  early  day  he  succeeded  in  getting  his  family  to 
the  circuit,  and  was  kindly  received  into  the  house  of  Mr. 
Jefferson  Stubbs,  who  generously  proposed  to  entertain 
them  until  the  parsonage  could  be  prepared  for  their  use. 

Mr.  Childs's  health  began  to  decline  at  a  fearful  rate, 


234 


LIFE  OF  THE 


of  his  faithfulness,  his  providence,  and  grace,  that  are  now 
obscured  by  the  partial  and  uneven  obedience  that  I  ren- 
der. Oh  !  that  he  would  forgive  all  that  is  past,  and  en- 
able me  to  see  how  odious  sin  is,  in  whatever  covert  way 
it  may  present  itself  to  the  soul ;  and  God  grant  me 
strength  to  repel  it,  whether  presented  secretly  or  openly. 
Oh  !  I  long  for  holiness — for  purity.  It  is  this  that  I 
pant  after  more  than  after  gold  or  silver,  or  the  cattle 
upon  a  thousand  hills.  May  he  give  me  the  desire  of  my 
heart. 

Whether  our  low-country  circuit  will  be  for  good  or  ill 
is  problematical.  Pray  that  God  may  overrule  it  for  the 
good  of  our  souls  and  bodies.  The  salt  air,  the  change  of 
diet,  &c,  who  can  tell  but  God  may  sanctify  them  strangely 
for  our  good  ?  Oh  !  had  we  the  spirit  of  Charles  Wesley 
when  he  sung — 

"  Welcome  alike  the  crown  or  cross — 
Trouble  I  cannot  ask,  or  rest, 

But  ever  groan, 
Father,  thy  only  will  be  done." 

May  it  be  accomplished  by  us,  in  us,  and  through  us;  by 
the  thoughts  of  our  hearts,  by  the  words  of  our  lips,  by 
the  works  of  our  hands,  and  by  the  actions  of  our  lives. 
Pray  earnestly  for  us,  that  our  Redeemer  may  uphold  us 
continually.  "  Unsustained  by  thee  we  fall."  Lord,  hold 
us  up  in  our  goings.    Our  love  to  every  one. 

Affectionately  yours  in  Christ, 
John  W.  Childs. 

This  is  the  last  letter  he  wrote  to  his  Lynchburg  cor- 
respondent. 

'  Mr.  Childs  left  his  family  at  Mr.  Friend's,  in  Chester- 
field county,  and  set  out,  on  horseback,  for  the  Gloucester 
circuit.  He  spent  the  first  night  in  Richmond,  and  at  the 
close  of  the  second  day  from  Richmond,  he  reached  the 
house  of  Mr.  Jefferson  Stubbs,  the  recording  steward  of 
the  Gloucester  circuit.  From  Mr.  Stubbs's  he  wrote  to 
his  wife,  giving  an  account  of  his  trip  and  the  prospects 
before  him.    He  says  : — 


KEV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


235 


"  I  left  Richmond  early  yesterday  morning ;  travelled 
all  day  without  getting  any  thing  to  eat,  and  had  to  put 
up  at  a  tavern  at  night.  I  was  treated  kindly,  and  for  my 
fare  had  to  pay  one  dollar  and  a  quarter,  which  I  thought 
very  reasonable,  considering  they  gave  me  a  clean  bed,  &c. 
I  crossed  the  Mataponi  a  little  after  sunrise  this  morning, 
and  have  travelled,  say  thirty-seven  miles,  to  get  here  an 
hour  by  sun.  *  *  *  *  I  cannot  as  yet  say  any  thing  about 
our  prospects.    Oh  !  may  God  open  the  way  for  us." 

The  above  was  written  on  the  evening  of  December  7th. 
Saturday  morning,  December  8th,  he  adds — "  Oh  !  could 
we  get  that  spirit  that  teaches  us  to  be  careful  for  nothing, 
but  in  every  thing,  by  prayer  and  supplication,  with 
thanksgiving,  to  make  our  requests  known  to  God.  Oh  ! 
my  dear  Martha,  could  we  do  this,  how  much  more  holy, 
how  much  more  happy  should  we  be.  Lord,  give  us  this 
spirit  for  the  sake  of  Jesus.  My  cough  gets  no  better; 
though  I  hope,  if  it  can  be  best,  it  will  pass  away. 

"  There  is  no  chance  for  us  to  go  to  housekeeping  before 
the  first  of  January.  Possession  of  the  house  cannot  be 
obtained  before  that  time." 

There  was  no  parsonage  on  the  Gloucester  circuit,  and 
the  stewards  had  to  rent  and  furnish  a  house  for  the  occu- 
pancy of  Mr.  Childs's  family.  They  found  it  difficult  to 
procure  a  desirable  location,  and  were  compelled  at  last  to 
rent  an  ineligible  and  uncomfortable  dwelling,  but  it  was 
the  best  that  could  be  done  at  that  time. 

The  aspect  of  affairs  was  rather  gloomy  and  discouraging 
to  Mr.  Childs.  The  winter  was  setting  in  ;  his  family  was 
large,  and  at  a  considerable  distance  from  his  circuit ;  some 
time  must  elapse  before  a  parsonage  could  be  provided  for 
him;  great  inconvenience  must  necessarily  attend  his  re- 
moval to  the  circuit;  and  withal  his  health  was  rapidly 
failing.    But  these  things  did  not  move  him. 

At  an  early  day  he  succeeded  in  getting  his  family  to 
the  circuit,  and  was  kindly  received  into  the  house  of  Mr. 
Jefferson  Stubbs,  who  generously  proposed  to  entertain 
them  until  the  parsonage  could  be  prepared  for  their  use. 

Mr.  Childs's  health  begau  to  decline  at  a  fearful  rate, 


236 


LIFE  OF  THE 


and  by  the  time  the  house  was  in  partial  readiness  for  his 
reception,  his  cough  had  become  so  troublesome  that  he 
could  not  even  conduct  family  worship  or  read  aloud  but 
with  the  greatest  inconvenience. 

The  first  quarterly  meeting  for  the  circuit  was  held  at 
Christmas.  Mr.  Childs  was  barely  able  to  attend ;  he,  how- 
ever, was  present,  and,  at  the  request  of  the  presiding 
elder,  consented  to  preach.  He  was  seriously  interrupted 
by  his  cough  while  attempting  to  deliver  his  sermon,  and 
was  compelled  at  last  to  close  rather  abruptly.  This  was 
his  last  sermon.  At  that  time,  however,  but  little  appre- 
hension was  entertained  that  his  indisposition  was  likely 
to  terminate  seriously.  He  was  necessarily  exposed,  more 
or  less,  in  getting  settled  in  his  new  home,  in  the  midst 
of  an  inclement  season,  which  aggravated  the  symptoms 
of  his  disease ;  and  it  was  not  long  before  it  was  apparent 
that  consumption  had  marked  him  as  a  victim,  and  that 
the  disease  was  making  most  fearful  and  rapid  inroads  upon 
his  constitution,  and  hastening  to  a  mortal  crisis.  Medical 
aid  was  called  in,  and  every  thing  was  done  that  could  be, 
under  the  circumstances,  to  arrest  his  malady  and  preserve 
his  life.  But  every  exertion  was  baffled  by  the  insidious 
foe ;  and  his  wasting  flesh,  his  drenching  night  sweats,  his 
daily  chills  and  fevers,  and  shocking  cough,  proclaimed, 
in  no  doubtful  terms,  that  his  dissolution  was  rapidly  ap- 
proaching. 

The  brethren  and  friends  on  the  circuit  were  exceedingly 
kind;  but  the  parsonage,  unfortunately,  was  remote  from 
thein,  being  in  one  corner  of  the  circuit,  and  they  could 
not  therefore  show  that  constant  attention,  by  day  and 
night,  that  they  otherwise  would  have  done.  But  the  lack 
of  a  service  of  this  sort  was  happily  supplied  by  an  own 
sister  of  Mr.  Childs,  Mrs.  Sarah  Jacobs,  of  Alexandria,  who 
was  constantly  with  him,  and  who  waited  upon  him  with 
a  devotion  and  tenderness  that  cannot  be  spoken  of  in 
terms  of  too  high  commendation.  Her  attentions  greatly 
relieved  the  labours  of  the  affectionate  wife,  who  watched 
over  him,  like  an  angel  of  mercy,  amid  all  his  sufferings; 
yet  often  with  an  almost  breaking  heart,  as  she  could  not 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


237 


at  all  times  conceal  from  herself  the  painful  termination 
to  which  his  disease  was  hastening.  This  was  a  season 
of  trial  to  the  faith  of  Mr.  Childs. 

There  he  was,  in  a  cheerless  and  uncomfortable  dwell- 
ing, scantily  furnished,  and  remote  from  the  members  of 
his  charge;  and  this,  too,  in  mid-winter.  There,  with  a 
sorrowing  wife,  surrounded  by  five  small  children,  he 
lingered,  growing  worse  and  worse  with  each  succeeding 
day.  There  he  spent  his  days  and  restless  nights,  with 
gradually  diminishing  hopes  of  the  prospect  of  recovery. 
See  him,  pale  and  emaciated,  lying  upon  his  bed,  unable 
to  assist  himself,  and  without  strength  to  conduct  family 
prayer.  He  turns  his  eyes  upon  a  new  supply  of  books 
which  he  had  procured  for  his  winter's  reading,  and  recall- 
ing his  previous  arrangements  for  increased  labours  and 
studies,  he  says :  "  Man  may  plan,  but  God  frustrates." 
It  is  night,  and  the  weary  watchers  have  all  fallen  asleep. 
His  little  ones  have  lost  their  petty  cares  in  their  mid- 
night slumbers.  The  winds  are  whistling  around  his 
lonely  dwelling,  as  the  snow-flakes  patter  against  the  win- 
dow and  upon  the  roof.  And  there  he  lies,  the  only 
wakeful  inmate  of  that  dwelling.  His  thoughts  are  busy. 
Memory  has  travelled  over  the  past,  and  gathered  up  the 
recollections  of  other  days,  while  the  dark  and  impene- 
trable future  is  crowded  with  the  dim  and  indistinct  im- 
ages of  coming  events,  that  already  "  cast  their  shadows 
before."  He,  feels  that  a  few  days  more  must  end  his 
earthly  career — that  soon  his  wife  must  be  a  widow,  and 
his  children  orphans — that  they  must  be  left  without  a 
home,  and  without  the  means  of  support. 

What  think  you,  reader,  were  his  feelings  while  pressed 
with  these  reflections  ?  Suppose  you  that  he  was  gloomy 
and  desponding,  or  that  he  murmured  at  the  Providence 
that  had  placed  him  in  that  condition  ?  Far  from  it.  His 
mind  was  stayed  upon  the  Most  High,  and  his  heart  was 
often  swelling,  "unutterably  full  of  glory  and  of  God." 
The  midnight  silence  of  his  chamber  was  broken  by  the 
rapturous  expressions  of  heavenly  joy,  and  by  sentiments 
of  the  most  perfect  acquiescence  in  the  dealings  of  his 


240 


LIFE  OF  THE 


that  these  things  were  often  used  as  medicine ;  and  when 
used  for  that  purpose  purely,  under  circumstances  of  ne- 
cessity, and  particularly  when  prescribed  by  an  intelli- 
gent physician,  I  did  not  think  there  would  be  any  thing 
wrong  in  taking  them.  He  replied,  '  I  am  now  very  low; 
life  with  me  is  extremely  uncertain ;  I  know  not  what  mo- 
ment I  may  go.'  And  here  he  paused  for  some  time, 
while  a  flood  of  tears  burst  from  his  sunken  eyes;  then 
he  said,  '  My  brother,  I  wish  to  go  into  the  presence  of 
my  God  with  my  spirit  pure.  I  cannot  go  there  with  my 
spirit  and  senses  stupefied  with  these  corrupting  stimulants. 
God  is  holy  !  Heaven  is  holy  !  and  I,  if  I  would  dwell 
there,  must  be  holy  too  !' 

"  Here  the  conversation  turned  upon  the  duties  and 
trials  of  the  ministry,  in  which  he  most  earnestly  urged 
holiness  of  heart  and  life  as  absolutely  necessary  to  render 
our  ministrations  successful  in  the  conversion  of  perishing 
sinners,  and  acceptable  to  God,  our  final  judge.  In  this 
conversation  I  felt  the  deepest  interest.  His  thin,  cold 
hand  pressed  mine,  while  he  most  sublimely  talked ;  he 
talked  of  holiness — of  God — of  the  ministry,  and  its  fearful 
responsibilities — of  death,  and  of  dying — of  heaven — of 
the  crown  of  glory,  and  of  eternal  felicity  in  the  bright 
abode  of  God  above. 

"  This  was  done  in  a  manner  which,  excepting  one  case, 
exceeded  any  thing  that  I  have  ever  heard  or  witnessed. 
I  was  absorbed,  yea,  overwhelmed  with  feelings  of  unut- 
terable emotion.  The  impression  made  at  this  time  on 
my  mind  and  heart,  I  shall  never  forget ;  the  precise 
words,  however,  I  cannot  now  remember. 

"  He  next  spoke  of  his  family — of  leaving  his  dear  wife 
and  children,  in  the  most  tender  and  affectionate  terms. 
This  was  indescribably  affecting.  No  murmur — no  word 
of  complaint  was  heard  to  escape  his  lips.  He  said — 
'  if  it  should  be  the  will  of  God,'  he  would  like  to  live 
to  rear  and  educate  his  children.  But  in  this,  he  said — 
'  not  mine,  but  the  will  of  the  Lord  be  done.'  '  He  will 
do  right;  and  if  it  is  his  will  that  I  shall  go  now,  I  am 
perfectly  willing.    I  know  that  the  Lord  will  take  care  of 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


2-11 


my  wife  and  little  ones.  They  will  be  provided  for.'  His 
confidence  on  this  subject  was  truly  remarkable  :  I  have 
never  known  any  thing  like  it.  In  the  view  of  his  faith,  it 
seemed  a  positive  certainty.  And  in  regard  to  his  own  ex- 
perience, at  this  time,  not  a  cloud  shaded  the  celestial  pros- 
pect— all  was  bright.  On  being  asked  what  was  his  state 
of  mind,  he  said,  '  I  have  not  one  doubt  of  my  accept- 
ance.' 

"  The  thought  of  leaving  his  circuit  seemed  to  give  him 
more  trouble  of  mind  than  any  thing  else.  He  spoke  of 
his  work  with  the  deepest  interest,  and  of  the  brethren  of 
the  circuit  with  the  warmest  possible  affection.  Thanked 
them  for  their  kindness  toward  himself  and  family,  during 
his  protracted  illness. 

"  It  was  now  time  for  me  to  leave.  I  bade  him  farewell, 
under  a  solemn  conviction  that  it  was  the  last  time  I 
should  press  that  hand  in  this  world.  He  held  me  by  the 
hand  with  a  trembling  grasp,  and  said — '  Farewell !  my 
dear  brother.  God  bless  you !  I  shall  never  see  you 
again  in  this  world.'  Here  emotion  choked  his  utterance 
— he  wept,  and  said — '  I  shall  never  see  my  dear  brethren 
of  the  Virginia  Conference  again,  until  we  meet  above. 
Tell  them  farewell  for  me — tell  them  I  love  thera  much, 
and  that  I  die  in  peace  with  God  and  all  men — tell  them 
I  feel  myself  under  many  obligations  to  them  for  their 
kind  forbearance  towards  my  many  imperfections — tell 
them  to  live  holy,  and  be  entirely  consecrated  to  God. 
Farewell,  brethren  !  farewell  all !  I  hope  to  meet  you  all 
in  heaven  at  last.' 

"  Many  other  things  were  said  by  him,  which  I  cannot 
now  recall.  It  was  a  most  solemn  and  deeply  affecting  in- 
terview. 

"  I  can  only  add  in  conclusion  that  he  was  a  most  truly 
devoted  minister — a  most  pious  and  holy  Christian,  and 
that  he,  no  doubt,  reigns  with  the  brightest  saints  above. 

Yours  truly, 

James  E.  Joyner." 

Suitable  arrangements  being  made  under  medical  di- 
21 


242 


LIFE  01'  THE 


rection,  on  Wednesday,  the  1st  day  of  May,  Mr.  Childs 
was  taken  from  the  parsonage,  and,  attended  by  sympa- 
thetic friends,  was  conveyed  in  a  comfortable  carriage  to 
the  house  of  Mr.  Nutall,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
steamboat  landing  in  Matthews  county,  to  be  in  readiness 
for  the  boat  the  next  day,  plying  between  that  place  and 
the  city  of  Norfolk. 

On  the  road,  during  the  day,  they  passed  one  of  the 
churches  belonging  to  the  Gloucester  circuit.  Mrs.  Childs 
said  to  him — "  Husband,  if  God  sees  best  to  lay  you  aside, 
and  no  longer  work  by  you,  are  you  willing  ?"  He  promptly 
replied,  repeating  it  over  and  over  again,  "Perfectly  will- 
ing \" — "Perfectly  willing!"  and  this  he  did,  says  Mrs. 
Childs,  "  with  a  look  of  submission  I  can  never  forget." 

He  had  a  comfortable  night's  repose,  and  the  next  morn- 
ing felt  invigorated  and  refreshed.  On  the  arrival  of  the 
boat  he  was  placed  on  board,  and  without  the  least  fatigue 
from  his  journey,  reached  the  wharf  at  Norfolk,  about  9 
o'clock  on  the  night  of  the  2d  of  May.  From  the  wharf 
he  was  carried  on  a  cot,  by  four  men,  to  the  house  of  his 
brother,  Capt.  Win.  Childs,  living  on  Catharine  street 

The  author  saw  him  early  on  the  morning  of  the  3d  of 
May.  He  was  wasted  to  a  skeleton,  and  looked  more  like 
a  corpse  than  a  living  man.  When  I  entered  the  room 
and  took  him  by  the  hand,  he  was  affected  to  tears.  I  sat 
down  by  his  bedside,  for  he  was  not  able  to  raise  himself 
from  his  pillow,  and  engaged  in  conversation  with  him  in 
relation  to  his  affliction,  and  various  other  topics ;  but 
finding  his  strength  to  fail,  I  desisted  for  awhile,  until  he 
was  sufficiently  rested  to  continue  the  conversation.  I 
then  turned  to  him  again,  and  inquired  after  the  state  of 
his  mind,  in  the  midst  of  his  deep  and  protracted  illness. 
I  found  him  perfectly  calm  and  tranquil,  with  his  heart 
and  mind  stayed  upon  God.  I  told  him  that  having  known 
something  of  his  views  of  the  providence  of  God — of  faith 
and  Christian  experience,  I  was  anxious  to  know  whether 
all  held  good  in  affliction  ?  He  replied  that  he  found  God 
faithful  tu  all  his  promises ;  that  he  believed  all  was  right 
and  just  as  it  should  be. 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


243 


I  then  alluded  to  the  condition  in  which  his  family 
would  be  left,  in  the  event  of  his  death,  and  asked  him,  if, 
when  he  looked  upon  his  wife  and  six  children,  depen- 
dent upon  him,  and  looking  up  to  him  for  counsel,  di- 
rection, and  support,  he  did  not  feel  tempted  to  doubt  the 
wisdom  and  goodness  of  the  providence  that  had  placed 
him  in  his  helpless  condition  ?  he  promptly  answered, 
".No!"  and  then  went  on  to  say,  that  the  good  Lord 
seemed  to  hold  the  Devil  at  bay — that  he  tried  to  ap- 
proach him,  but  was  restrained ;  and  then  added — "  I  am 
not  evfn  tempted  to  distrust  the  promises,  the  goodness, 
and  faithfulness  of  God.  It  is  all  right !"  he  continued — 
"  I  know  it  is  all  as  it  should  be." 

He  then  went  on  to  say,  that  he  had  never  murmured 
or  rebelled  against  any  appointment  which  had  been  as- 
signed him  in  the  Conference — that  he  had  always  taken 
his  work,  trusting  in  God,  and  doing  the  best  he  could. 
**  But,"  said  he,  "  from  the  time  I  received  my  appoint- 
ment to  the  Gloucester  circuit  there  has  been  a  cloud  over 
my  mind."    He  did  not  know  why  it  was  so. 

Our  conversation  was  here  interrupted  by  the  call  of  the 
physicians  that  had  been  summoned  to  his  bed-side. 

In  the  afternoon  of  the  same  day  we  conversed  again. 
The  interview  was  pleasant,  and  at  his  request  was  closed 
with  prayer.  He  responded  warmly  and  repeatedly  to  the 
petitions  addressed  to  the  throne  of  grace.  It  was  the 
same  voice  that,  sixteen  years  before,  I  had  heard  in  the 
tented  grove,  at  the  family  altar,  and  in  the  forest  chapels 
of  Western  Carolina.  How  strange  the  providence  of 
God  !  The  youth  that  he  then  counselled  and  took  by  the 
hand  was  now  his  spiritual  adviser  and  counsellor. 

His  physicians  pronounced  his  disease  consumption  in 
an  advanced  stage,  and  did  not  hesitate  to  say  that  it  was 
incurable  by  human  means — that  he  might  rally  for  a 
short  time,  but  that  there  was  not  the  remotest  prospect 
of  his  recovery. 

May  Ath. — He  was  very  calm,  and  even  happy.  He 
again  said,  whatever  mystery  might  seem  to  hang  about  his 
case,  it  was  all  right.    Said  he,  "  I  have  no  choice  or  will 


244 


LIFE  OF  THE 


in  the  matter.  God  knows  what  is  best.  '  Whether  I 
live,  I  live  unto  the  Lord,  or  whether  I  die,  I  die  unto  the 
Lord ;  whether  I  live,  therefore,  or  die,  I  am  the  Lord's.'  " 
And  as  he  slowly  and  solemnly  repeated  these  words,  his 
eyes  overran  with  tears,  showing  how  truly  and  deeply  ho 
7  felt  what  he  uttered.  We  prayed  together  again,  and  he 
joined  most  heartily  in  the  petitions.  He  seemed  alto- 
gether beyond  the  reach  of  the  Tempter.  Such  calmness, 
such  meekness,  such  patience,  and  such  resignation  com- 
bined, we  have  never  witnessed  before  or  since,  in  mortal 
man.  He  said  that  he  could  desire  to  live  to  do  some- 
thing for  his  family,  and  for  the  church,  were  it  in  his 
power,  but  that  he  desired  to  live  for  no  other  purpose ; 
and,  said  he,  "  if  God  does  not  see  that  it  is  best  for  me 
to  live,  I  had  rather  die  now."  "  The  will  of  the  Lord  be 
done,"  closed  every  conversation  upon  the  subject.  Again 
and  again  he  said  he  had  no  fear  of  death — that  he  dreaded 
his  grave  as  little  as  be  dreaded  his  bed. 

On  Sabbath,  May  5th,  he  was  visited  by  a  number  of 
his  pious  friends  and  acquaintances,  among  whom  were 
his  brethren  in  the  ministry — the  Rev.  Overton  Bernard, 
and  the  Rev.  Vernon  Eskridge  of  Portsmouth;  both  of 
whom  he  had  known  for  many  years — the  latter  having 
entered  the  Conference  with  him.  His  interviews  with 
them  were  touching  and  impressive. 

The  same  quietness  and  habitual  trust  in  God,  which 
had  marked  all  the  stages  of  his  affliction,  were  still  mani- 
fest. And  for  every  one  who  visited  him,  he  had  an  ap- 
propriate word — something  to  impress  the  mind  and  affect 
the  heart,  and  lead  to  some  good  practical  result  in  the 
life. 

Monday,  May  Qt7i.  —  From  daylight  this  morning, 
until  9  or  10  o'clock,  he  was  thought  tp  be  dying.  For 
a  while  he  seemed  rapidly  sinking.  His  wife  was  weeping 
by  his  bedside,  and  could  not  be  comforted  ;  but  he  seemed 
but  little  affected  by  what  was  passing,  while  he  was  per- 
fectly sensible  of  every  thing.  He  was  asked,  "  Is  Christ 
etill  precious?"  "Oh  yes  !"  he  replied,  "he  is  good — I 
have  no  fear — all  is  right  I" 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


245 


lie  was  told  that  he  appeared  to  be  rapidly  sinking,  and 
that  if  he  had  any  business  to  transact,  or  any  messages 
to  leave,  or  directions  to  give,  he  had  better  do  it  at  once, 
as  the  power  of  speech  might  fail  him.  He  remained  per- 
fectly composed,  and  said  that  he  had  no  business  of  a 
worldly  nature  to  transact — that  he  had  always  believed 
that  God  would  take  care  of  him  and  his,  while  engaged 
in  His  work ;  and  that  he  had  no  temporal  concerns  to 
trouble  him — he  had  no  worldly  goods  to  dispose  of.  As 
to  a  message  for  the  Conference,  he  had  delivered  that  to 
Brother  Joyner,  his  presiding  elder,  before  leaving  Glou- 
cester. 

He  remained  silent  for  a  few  moments,  and  then  said  : — 
a  There  is  but  one  thing  that  rests  with  any  weight  on  my 
mind — I  was  not  able  to  see  as  the  majority  of  my  brethren 
on  the  subject  of  the  division  of  our  church  ;  and  at  the 
time  the  vote  was  taken  in  our  Conference,  upon  the  sub- 
ject of  division,  in  1845,  I  retired  from  the  Conference- 
room  before  the  vote  was  taken,  and  did  not  remain  to 
express  my  views  in  opposition  to  the  measure,  and  to 
record  my  vote."  He  then  added  with  emphasis: — "I 
am  no  abolitionist ;  and  if  my  vote  now  would  liberate  the 
whole  slave  population  in  the  South,  I  could  not  give  it, 
as  I  know  it  would  inflict,  under  existing  circumstances, 
the  greatest  evils  upon  them.  Yet  I  did  not  see  sufficient 
reason  for  separation ;  and  I  have  sometimes  feared  that 
I,  at  least,  appeared  to  shrink  from  my  duty,  in  failing  to 
give  my  views  on  the  occasion  referred  to,  and  voting  in 
opposition  to  the  measure."  This  he  said  was  the  only 
thing  on  his  mind.  It  had  been  a  source  of  some  trouble 
to  him,  but  that  now  he  felt  entirely  relieved. 

His  wife  remarked  that  she  feared  the  enemy  was  trying 
to  take  advantage  of  him  in  relation  to  this  subject. 
"No,"  said  he,  "it  gives  me  no  trouble;  but  as  I  had 
thought  of  it,  I  felt  that  I  should  mention  it — it  gives  me 
no  trouble  now." 

He  still  continued  to  linger  at  the  very  point  to  die. 
nis  wife  was  in  great  distress,  and  in  her  agony  she  said  : 
u  My  dear,  dear  husband,  if  you  arc  about  to  leave  us,  do 


246 


LIFE  OF  THE 


say  something  as  a  parting  message — let  your  blessing  be 
given  to  me."  He  responded  with  the  utmost  composure  : 
"  The  everlasting  arms  shall  be  underneath  and  round  about 
you — of  that  I  am  very  sure." 

"  Have  you  no  message  for  dear  Margaret  ?"  their 
absent  daughter,  said  she.  "  Tell  her  to  be  a  good  girl, 
and  obedient,"  he  replied.  All  this  he  said  without  the 
least  apparent  excitement  or  emotion. 

"  Bo  you  know  us  all  ?"  one  inquired.  "  Perfectly," 
said  he ;  "  as  well  as  I  ever  did ;  and  I  hear  every  word 
that  is  spoken." 

His  wife  then  asked  him  if  he  felt  as  though  he  were 
dying.  He  simply  replied: — "Martha,  don't  press  that 
question — I  don't  want  to  give  you  any  trouble  or  dis- 
tress." 

His  extremities  were  cold  and  clammy — he  could 
scarcely  swallow,  and  it  was  with  the  utmost  difficulty 
that  he  could  speak  to  make  himself  understood.  All 
around  believed  that  he  was  really  dying — that  in  a  few 
moments  the  struggle  would  be  over. 

He  was  asked  if  he  had  any  particular  wish  to  express 
in  relation  to  his  burial.  He  replied  : — "  I  want  nothing 
fantastic  about  it.  Let  every  thing  be  plain — very  plain 
— plain  in  the  Christian  se?ise  of  the  word."  As  to  the 
place  of  his  burial,  he  was  indifferent.  "  Let  Martha 
have  her  wish,"  said  he.  "  I  feel  but  little  concern  about 
it."  He  then  remarked : — "  I  feel  that  I  am  sicking 
away  as  quietly  and  peacefully  as  the  sun  goes  down." 

Several  brethren  in  the  ministry  called  to  see  him 
while  in  this  state — Ilev.  Messrs.  J.  D.  Coulling,  Robert 
Michaels,  Wm,  H.  Starr,  Wesley  Rhor,  and  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Anderson  of  the  Presbyterian  church.  To  each  of  the 
brethren  to  whom  he  spoke,  he  said  something  indicating 
his  unshaken  confidence  in  God,  and  his  perfect  resigna- 
tion to  the  divine  will. 

As  the  day  advanced  he  gradually  grew  warm,  under 
powerful  stimulants;  and  in  the  evening  he  seemed  much 
better — conversed  with  more  strength,  and  said  he  felt 
entirely  easy  and  comfortable.    His  mind  was  still  at  rest 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


247 


— his  peace  was  uninterrupted.  After  he  was  placed  on 
his  bed  for  the  night,  he  requested  that  we  should  join  in 
prayer  with  him.  Rev.  Mr.  Coulling  led  in  prayer,  and, 
as  usual,  he  responded  "Amen !"  to  many  of  the  petitions, 
with  an  earnestness  and  fervour  that  was  truly  astonishing 
When  we  parted  with  him  for  the  night,  he  devoutly 
implored  the  blessings  of  God  upon  us,  thanking  us  most 
kindly  for  our  attentions.  Indeed,  there  was  nothing  done 
for  him  for  which  he  did  not  express  his  thankfulness  and 
gratitude. 

Tuesday,  May  7th. — He  continued  gradually  to  waste 
away — growing  weaker,  and  yet  more  weak,  with  every 
hour.  When  the  Eev.  Mr.  Coulling  and  myself  entered 
his  room  this  morning,  we  found  him  in  a  quiet,  peaceful 
state  of  mind.  He  said  he  felt  perfectly  easy,  aud  free 
from  pain  ;  and  then  remarked  : — u  When  you  all  thought 
me  dying  yesterday  morning,  I  was  perfectly  tranquil  and 
happy — I  had  the  most  perfect  peace — a  happiness  that  is 
indescribable." 

His  wife  then  asked  him  how  he  felt.  "  Why,"  said 
he,  "lam  calmly  stayed  on  my  Redeemer."  He  was 
asked  again  if  he  had  any  fear  of  death.  "  Not  the  least," 
he  replied.  "  Do  you  still  feel  that  all  is  well,  and  that 
your  way  is  perfectly  clear  1"  "  Perfectly,"  he  answered. 
"  I  love  God,  and  feel  that  I  can  trust  him,  and  I  believe 
all  is  well."  He  then  remarked,  that,  during  the  whole 
period  of  his  affliction,  nothing  had  given  him  the  least 
trouble,  except  the  matter  that  he  alluded  to  the  day  be- 
fore, "  and  that,"  said  he,  "  gives  me  no  trouble  now." 

He  was  told  by  his  wife  that  his  attending  physicians 
found  him  sinking  under  a  highly  stimulating  treatment, 
and  that  they  indulged  no  hope  of  seeing  him  rally  again. 
He  heard  her  with  his  usual  composure,  and  simply  re- 
marked, "Do  what  the  doctors  have  directed." 

He  never  failed  to  ask  the  brethren,  who  visited  him, 
to  pray  with  him;  and  he  always  united  with  them,  mani- 
festing the  warmest  interest  in  all  these  approaches  to  the 
throne  of  grace. 

While  alone,  during  the  day,  his  wife  told  him  that  she 


248 


LIFE  OF  THE 


wished  to  ask  him  a  few  questions.  She  then  referred  to 
the  fact  that,  during  his  whole  sickness  he  had  spoken 
with  the  greatest  confidence  with  regard  to  his  faith  that 
God  would,  in  the  event  of  his  death,  provide  for  her  and 
the  children;  and  then  she  inquired,  "Do  you  still  feel 
confident  that  /  and  the  children  will  be  taken  care  of?" 
He  answered,  "/  know  my  Father  and  God  will  take 
care  of  you."  She  then  asked,  "  Have  you  no  message  to 
leave  me,  and  the  dear  children?"  "My  Life,"  he  re- 
plied, "what  more  can  i  say!" 

He  had  previously  told  her  to  "  bring  up  the  dear  chil- 
dren indifferent  to  show  and  the  fashions  of  the  world." 

She  then  asked  him,  what  portions  of  the  Scriptures  he 
regarded  as  most  interesting  and  pleasant.  He  intimated 
that  he  disliked  to  make  any  discrimination,  but  then  re- 
marked, "The  gospel  and  epistles  of  St.  John — the  first 
three  chapters  of  Revelation,  and  the  last, — but  all  is 
good." 

In  the  afternoon  of  this  day  he  again  revived,  took  his 
nourishment  freely,  and  seemed  every  way  much  better. 
But  as  the  night  approached  he  again  relapsed,  and  it  was 
thought  doubtful  whether  he  would  live  till  morning.  He 
however  said  he  was  perfectly  easy,  and  that  he  felt  very 
well.  He  was  asked  if  he  felt  as  though  he  were  near 
eternity?  "I  am  in  the  hands  of  God,"  he  answered, 
"and  am  perfectly  willing  to  live  or  die,  whichever  he 
shall  judge  best." 

While  I  was  present  he  took  an  egg  prepared  with  a 
little  milk,  and  two  tea-spoonfuls  of  brandy,  which  was 
his  only  nourishment.  After  he  had  taken  it,  he  extended 
bis  hand  to  me,  and  drawing  me  down  to  him,  said,  "Do 
you  think  I  do  wrong  in  taking  that  egg  with  brandy?" 
He  was  told  that  there  could  be  no  more  harm  in  taking  that 
small  amount,  under  the  direction  of  his  physicians,  than 
there  was  in  taking  the  camphor,  spirits  of  turpentine, 
and  other  stimulants  which  they  had  been  administering 
for  the  last  twenty-four  hours.  But  his  mind  was  not  en- 
tirely easy  on  the  subject. 

In  all  his  changes,  he  remained  the  same;  always  com- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


249 


posed — always  peaceful  and  happy.  Ho  seemed  to  linger 
on  the  confines  of  two  worlds,  ready  at  any  moment  to 
obey  his  master's  summons  to  the  skies,  and  yet  willing 
to  suffer  on  till  his  change  should  come.  He  slept  sweetly 
during  the  night,  and  whenever  he  awoke  for  a  moment 
he  gave  utterance  to  some  pious  sentiment  of  resignation 
to  the  Divine  will,  or  breathed  out  some  ejaculatory  peti- 
tion to  God. 

Wednesday,  May  8th. — This  morning  he  refused  to 
take  his  nourishment  prepared  with  brandy,  saying  that 
he  did  not  wish  to  leave  the  world  and  go  into  the  presence 
of  his  Maker  with  his  mind  excited  by  intoxicating  liquor; 
and  it  was  only  upon  the  assurance  of  his  physicians  that 
the  small  portion  of  brandy  with  which  his  nourishment 
was  prepared  could  not  possibly  affect  his  mind,  that  he 
consented  to  continue  its  use.  He  was  strenuously  op- 
posed to  taking  any  stupefying  or  stimulating  draught  that 
might  produce  any  unnatural  effects,  or  lead  to  any  ex- 
pression that  might  not  be  relied  on  as  a  true  and  exact 
representation  of  his  real  state  of  mind. 

He  seemed  disinclined  to-day  to  say  any  thing  in  relation 
to  his  death  and  burial,  in  the  presence  of  his  wife.  This 
evidently  arose  from  his  dislike  to  give  her  the  slightest 
pain.  He  saw  how  much  she  was  distressed,  and  bow 
painfully  she  was  affected  by  any  reference  to  these  topics, 
and  on  that  account  he  desired  that  no  question  should  be 
asked  him  on  that  subject. 

It  was  a  privilege  of  no  ordinary  character  to  be  per- 
mitted to  witness  the  spirit  with  which  he  endured  his 
afflictions,  and  the  composure  with  which  he  approached 
the  dark  valley  and  shadow  of  death.  His  sun  of  life  was 
hanging  low  in  the  west;  the  shadows  were  long,  and 
the  air  was  growing  chilly,  as  the  curtains  of  night  were 
gathering  around  him.  But  his  step  was  firm  and  un- 
wavering, for  he  had  grasped,  with  the  strong  hand  of 
faith,  the  staff  of  his  Conductor,  and  on  this  he  was  stead- 
fastly leaning  as  he  descended  the  darkening  vale. 

About  four  o'clock  of  this  day,  a  decided  change  for  the 
worse  took  place;  but  he  still  retained  his  reason.  About 


250 


LIFE  OF  TIIE 


eight  o'clock  in  the  evening  his  physicians  called,  and 
pronounced  him  in  a  dying  state — not  actually  dying,  but 
in  a  sinking  condition,  which  would  terminate  in  death. 

On  entering  the  room  after  the  physicians  left,  he  asked 
us  what  the  doctors  said,  and  what  directions  they  had  left 
for  the  night.  He  was  informed  that  they  had  done  all 
they  could  for  him.  To  which  he  replied,  "I  have  no 
doubt  of  it."  He  was  also  told  that  they  had  said  that  a 
little  brandy  or  wine,  taken  at  short  intervals,  would  pro- 
long his  life  a  few  hours.  We  asked  him  if  he  would  take 
it?  He  said  he  would  rather  not.  He  then  remarked, 
"I  do  not  think  I  shall  die  to-night,  though  I  may." 
Some  one  present  said,  "You  are  not  afraid  to  die?" 
"No,"  he  replied,  "I  am  not  afraid;  I  am  in  the  hands 
of  God."  And  after  a  moment  added,  with  emphasis,  "I 
have  a  desire  to  depart  and  to  be  with  Christ." 

Between  eleven  and  twelve  o'clock  at  night,  at  his  re- 
quest, all  who  were  sitting  up  in  the  adjoining  room,  went 
into  his  chamber  to  engage  in  prayer  with  him.  Rev. 
Mr.  Coulling  led  in  prayer.  He  responded  "Amen!"  at 
one  time  loud  enough  to  be  heard  all  through  the  house. 
His  hands,  feet,  and  head  were  cold — his  pulse  was  very 
bad,  scarcely  more  than  a  barely  perceptible  flutter,  and 
yet  his  mind  continued  entirely  clear.  He  was  not,  how- 
ever, able  to  converse.  He  lived  through  the  night,  and 
on  the  morning  of  the  9th  May,  about  eight  o'clock,  he 
remarked  to  his  wife  and  sister,  who  were  by  his  bed,  "I 
cannot  die;  it  seems  that  the  Lord  is  not  willing  for  me 
to  die  now.  I  am  willing  to  die,  and  have  tried,  during  the 
night,  to  die;  but  I  cannot." 

At  nine  o'clock  we  were  again  called  into  his  room  for 
prayer.  Rev.Wm.  H.  Star  prayed.  Mr.  Childs  seemed 
engaged,  but  was  not  able  to  respond  in  his  usual  way.  He 
continued  to  grow  cold,  while  his  body  was  covered  with 
clammy  sweat.  He  began  to  complain  of  his  head,  and 
became  a  little  restless.  About  ten  o'clock  he  appeared 
to  suffer  a  good  deal,  and  complained  of  pain  in  the  back 
part  of  his  head.  His  pulse  had  almost  entirely  ceased. 
I  said  to  him,  "Brother  Childs,  you  seem  to  be  rational, 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CUILDS. 


251 


and  to  know  every  thing  that  is  passing?"  "0  yes,"  he 
replied,  "I  know  you  all."  Said  I,  "Can  you  not  tell  us 
how  it  is  with  you?"  "If  I  had  strength,"  he  replied,  "I 
could  tell  you  a  great  deal;"  and  then  remarked,  "I  had 
two  or  three  things  that  I  wanted  to  tell  you,  hut  I  am  too 
weak  to  converse  now." 

He  was  dying — he  knew  it;  but  he  was  perfectly  resigned. 
Said  I  to  him,  "  The  struggle  is  nearly  over."  "Almost," 
he  replied. 

"  My  dear  husband,"  said  his  weeping  wife,  as  she  bent 
over  him  in  inconsolable  anguish,  "  you  seem  to  be  going 
to  leave  us  ;  have  you  nothing  more  to  say  ?"  His  only 
reply  was,  "  All  my  hope  is  in  God."  Here  his  strength 
failed  him.  He  complained  of  his  head,  and  became  quite 
restless,  but  betrayed  no  impatience,  nor  the  least  want  of 
unlimited  trust  in  God. 

He  then  seemed  suddenly  to  rouse  up,  and  said  in  a 
strong  distinct  voice — "  Light,  more  light."  His  wife  said 
to  him  "  The  room  is  light."  His  eyes  were  open,  and  one 
present  placed  himself  as  nearly  as  he  could  before  him, 
so  as  to  bring  himself  in  the  range  of  his  vision,  and  said, 
"  Brother  Childs,  do  you  not  see  me  V  "  No,"  said  he, 
"  I  cannot  see  you."  "  But  you  know  me  ?"  "  Yes," 
he  replied,  "  I  know  you  all."  His  wife,  who  was  on  the 
bed  by  him,  leaned  over  him,  and  again  inquired,  "  Dear 
husband,  do  you  know  me  ?"  He  promptly  replied  in  bro- 
ken accents,  "  I  shall  ever  know  you."  These  were  his 
last  words. 

At  quarter  past  twelve  o'clock,  May  9th,  1850,  in  the 
house  of  Captain  William  Childs,  in  the  city  of  Norfolk, 
Virginia,  he  instantly  ceased  to  breathe,  and  in  a  moment 
was  still  in  death.  A  broken-hearted  wife  sat  by  his  life- 
less body,  shrieking  in  despair,  while  five  fatherless  child- 
ren, sent  up  their  piteous  cries  from  another  apartment  of 
the  house — most  of  them  too  young  to  appreciate  the  extent 
of  their  loss.  The  suffering  man  was  released — his  spirit  had 
taken  its  flight;  and  while  many  tears  fell  over  his  remains, 
they  were  shed  more  for  the  living  than  the  dead. 

He  was  decently  shrouded,  and  placed  in  a' plain,  sub- 


252 


LIFE  OF  THE 


stantial  mahogany  coffin,  to  which  was  attached  a  metallic 
plate  with  the  inscription,  Rev.  John  W.  Childs,  JE.  49. 

It  is  due  to  the  good  people  of  Norfolk,  to  say,  that 
every  attention  was  paid  to  Mr.  Childs,  during  the  few 
days  that  he  lived  after  his  arrival  in  the  city,  that  Chris- 
tian kindness  could  prompt.  It  is  especially  due  to  Mr. 
Levi  Westray  and  his  estimable  wife,  to  say,  that  they  spared 
no  pains  to  contribute  to  his  comfort.  By  day  and  by 
night  they  were  at  his  bedside,  ministering  to  his  wants, 
and  watching  the  progress  of  his  disease;  and  after  his 
death  they  attended,  principally,  to  the  preparations  neces- 
sary for  the  removal  of  his  remains  to  Lynchburg.  Nor 
can  we  speak  in  too  high  terms  of  the  untiring  attention 
and  generosity  of  his  attending  physicians,  Doctors  Baylor 
and  Tunstall. 

The  day  following  his  death  the  coffin  was  enclosed  in 
another  of  zinc,  and  placed  in  a  box  of  suitable  dimensions 
to  admit  a  surrounding  layer  of  charcoal,  and  in  the  care 
of  Mr.  Thomas  Early,  his  wife's  nephew,  was  conveyed  on 
the  boat  which  carried  the  surviving  family  to  the  city  of 
Richmond.  At  the  steamboat  landing  in  Richmond,  the 
family  and  remains  were  met  and  received  by  Rev.  H.  B. 
Cowles,  Rev.  G.  W.  Carter,  Mr.  William  C.  Bell,  and  others. 

The  family  received  every  mark  of  attention  which  kind- 
ness and  sympathy  could  dictate,  and  were  hospitably  enter- 
tained by  Mr.  N.  Thornton,  at  the  American  Hotel,  while 
the  body  of  the  deceased  was  placed  in  a  hearse,  and  con- 
veyed to  the  Centenary  church,  and  deposited  for  the  night. 

The  day  following,  May  11th,  the  remains  were  forward- 
ed by  a  packet  boat  on  the  canal  to  Lynchburg,  and  on  the 
Monday  following,  May  13th,  were  followed  by  the  family, 
under  the  care  of  Mr.  Early. 

On  Tuesday  evening,  the  14th,  the  regular  packet,  bear- 
ing the  bereaved  family,  reached  Lynchburg  about  the  time 
of  the  arrival  of  the  boat  which  conveyed  the  remains.  The 
body  was  carried  to  the  Methodist  church,  and  deposited 
for  the  night ;  and  on  the  day  following,  Wednesday,  May 
15th,  the  funeral  sermon  of  Mr.  Childs  was  delivered  by 
the  Rev.  George  W.  Laughorne,  the  stationed  Methodist 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS.  253 


minister  in  Lynchburg,  in  the  presence  of  a  large,  and 
deeply  affected  audience ;  after  which,  the  remains,  attend- 
ed by  a  circle  of  friends,  were  deposited  in  the  family 
burying  ground  of  Bcv.  John  Early,  D.D.,  adjacent  to 
the  town,  to  await  the  resurrection  morn. 


CHAPTER  XX. 

CONCLUSION. 

General  reflections  on  his  life  and  character — Suggestions  as  to  the  use 
that  should  be  made  of  his  life — Further  recollections  by  Mrs.  Early 
— Conclusion. 

We  have  now  followed  the  subject  of  this  Biography  to 
the  close  of  his  journey ;  have  witnessed  his  death,  and 
seen  him  consigned  to  the  house  appointed  for  all  the 
living.  The  rest  of  the  grave  is  sweet  to  one  so  wearied 
with  the  toils  of  life.  His  labours  are  ended,  and  his 
works  follow  him.  Blessed,  thrice  blessed,  are  the  dead 
that  die  in  the  Lord. 

"His  languishing  head  is  at  rest, 
Its  thinking  and  aching  arc  o'er; 
Ilis  quiet  immovable  breast 

Is  heaved  by  affliction  no  more." 

Mr.  Childs  was  one  of  the  best  men  we  have  ever  known ; 
and  however  the  reader  may  differ  with  him  as  to  his 
scruples  of  conscience,  in  relation  to  a  number  of  com- 
paratively small  matters  brought  to  view  in  this  work,  he 
will,  in  the  main,  be  constrained  to  admit  that  his  life  fur- 
nishes an  example  of  consistency  rarely  met  with  in  any 
age  of  the  world. 

There  are  some  things  that  we  may  not  be  able  to  com- 
prehend and  appreciate ;  for  example,  his  conviction  that 
it  was  his  duly  to  walk  and  preach,  and  yet  we  are  com- 
22 


254 


LIFE  OP  THE 


pelled  to  do  him  the  justice  to  believe  that  in  this  he  was 
strictly  conscientious. 

But  dropping  these  small  and  unimportant  points  in  his 
history,  where  have  we  seen  a  life  of  such  untiring  devo- 
tion to  the  work  of  the  ministry,  of  so  much  humility,  of 
so  much  benevolence,  of  so  much  prayer  ?  As  a  Chris- 
tian, where  is  the  example  that  eclipses  his  ?  Who  has 
exhibited  more  of  the  mind  that  was  in  Jesus?  Who 
that  has  walked  more  closely  and  constantly  with  God  ? 
Whose  life  has  furnished  a  more  striking  and  instructive 
comment  upon  the  religion  of  the  Bible  ?  In  all  the  re- 
lations of  life,  he  carried  out,  into  practical  effect,  the 
teachings  of  the  word  of  God ;  so  that  his  life  presents  a 
most  happy  manifestation  of  all  the  virtues,  and  excellen- 
cies that  constitute  the  Christian  character.  There  is  a 
symmetry  and  harmony  about  it,  that  we  but  seldom  meet 
with,  even  in  the  lives  of  eminently  good  men. 

His  piety  was  indeed  of  a  most  exalted  character.  At 
one  or  two  different  periods  in  his  Christian  life,  he  pro- 
fessed to  enjoy  the  blessing  of  "  perfect  love"  or  sanctifica- 
tion,  as  taught  in  Wesleyan  Methodist  Theology.  Strange 
that  a  man  of  such  extraordinary  devotion  and  faith,  did 
not  enjoy  it  without  interruption. 

His  experience  on  this  subject  is  somewhat  unaccount- 
able. It  would  seem  that  in  all  the  latter  years  of  his  life, 
he  must  have  attained  to  the  stature  of  a  man  in  Christ 
Jesus  ;  and  yet  he  did  not  pro/ess  to  have  made  this  at- 
tainment. But,  it  must  strike  every  one,  that  his  profes- 
sions were  far  below  his  actual  attainments.  So  far  as  we 
can  judge,  from  all  we  have  seen  of  the  man,  he  seems  to 
have  held  uninterrupted  communion  with  God,  and  to 
have  lived  a  life  of  faith  in  Jesus  Christ;  so  that  he  might 
have  adopted  with  perfect  propriety,  the  language  of  St. 
Paul:  "I  am  crucified  with  Christ;  nevertheless,  I  live; 
yet  not  I,  but  Christ  liveth  in  me  :  and  the  life  which  I 
now  live  in  the  flesh,  I  live  by  the  faith  of  the  Son  of 
God,  who  loved  me  and  gave  himself  for  me." 

He  was  a  good  preacher;  not  endowed  with  the  higher 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


255 


gifts  of  eloquence  and  popular  oratory,  but  a  scriptural, 
evangelical,  practical  minister  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ. 

He  never  aimed  at  any  thing  fine  or  beautiful  in  the 
pulpit ;  on  the  contrary,  he  most  carefully  abstained  from 
any  thing  of  the  sort.  And  yet,  on  some  occasions,  he 
has  been  known  to  rise  to  a  style  and  manner  of  delivery, 
that  were  exceedingly  captivating  and  overpowering.  But 
his  habitual  style  was  plain,  direct,  and  unadorned ;  and 
his  manner  serious,  impressive,  and  earnest. 

Earnestness  was  eminently  characteristic  of  his  manner 
of  preaching.  His  appeals  were  pungent,  stirring,  and 
effective. 

He  always  confined  himself  to  his  subject,  and  was  most 
happy  in  illustrating  it  by  scriptural  examples,  which  he 
gave  in  the  language  of  the  Bible.  A  more  faithful  preach- 
er never  lived.  He  dealt  honestly  with  his  people ;  and 
whether  they  would  hear  or  forbear,  he  never  failed  to  declare 
the  whole  counsel  of  God.  The  word  delivered  by  him  was 
"quick  and  powerful,  sharper  than  a  two-edged  sword." 
Beneath  its  well-directed  strokes,  sinners  and  inconsistent 
professors  of  religion  were  often  made  to  tremble  and  quake 
as  if  the  day  of  doom  had  come.  At  times  his  sermons  were 
invested  with  a  singular  interest,  and  produced  most  start- 
ling effects. 

As  a  pastor,  he  was  affectionate,  sympathetic,  and  sincere. 
His  conversation  was  always  "  seasoned  with  salt — fit  to 
minister  grace  to  the  hearers."  His  own  spirit  was  imbued 
with  meekness,  and  clothed  with  humility,  so  that  he  was 
an  example  to  the  flock.  He  was  exceedingly  courteous 
and  polite  in  all  his  intercourse  with  his  members,  and 
with  the  people  of  the  world;  and  at  the  same  time  carried 
with  him  an  air  of  devotion,  that  never  failed  to  strike  the 
most  casual  observer.  All  that  saw  him  were  constrained 
to  take  knowledge  of  him  that  he  had  been  with  Jesus ; 
and  that  while  he  walked  on  earth,  and  talked  with  men, 
"his  conversation  was  in  heaven." 

As  to  his  views  of  Christian  charity  or  benevolence,  he, 
perhaps,  carried  them,  practically,  too  far.  This  is  a  point, 
however,  on  which  wc  must  express  our  views  with  great 


256 


LIFE  OF  THE 


caution.  Mr.  Childs,  literally,  gave  away  all  that  he  had 
beyond  his  present  necessary  demands.  He  never  laid  up 
a  dollar  for  a  future  day.  As  an  unmarried  man  we  do 
not  see  that  this  course  lies  open  to  any  very  serious  ob- 
jection. But  to  our  mind  it  does  seem  to  be  the  scriptural 
duty  of  the  man  of  family,  not  only  to  provide  suitably  for 
the  support  and  education  of  his  family  while  living ;  but 
also,  in  the  event  of  his  death,  should  the  providence  of 
God  place  it  in  his  power,  to  leave  something  for  their 
maintenance  when  he  shall  cease  to  provide  for  them.  Mr. 
Childs  entertained  different  sentiments  on  this  subject;  and 
consistently  with  his  principles  he  gave  away  all  his  sur- 
plus means ;  and  this  he  did  through  life.  And  in  dying 
lie  left  his  widow  and  children  to  God. 

It  is  proper  however,  to  remark,  that,  two  weeks  preced- 
ing his  removal  to  Norfolk,  he  seemed  to  be  deeply  absorb- 
ed in  his  own  reflections,  when  the  following  conversation 
took  place  between  himself  and  Mrs.  Childs.  As  she  was 
waiting  at  his  bedside,  he  suddenly  called  her.  She  turned 
to  look  and  found  him  lying,  with  his  eyes  closed,  and  his 
countenance  expressive  of  the  deepest  emotion.  She  drew 
near  and  leaned  over  him,  when  he  asked — "  Do  you  blame 
me  for  the  course  I  have  pursued?"  Alluding  to  his 
course  of  life  in  not  laying  up  any  thing  for  the  future. 
Upon  her  promptly  replying  in  the  negative,  and  assuring 
liim,  that,  should  she  be  called  to  walk  the  low  vale  of 
poverty,  she  should  never  censure  him  ;  he  instantly  added, 
ul  now  see  no  other  way.  It  was,  that  I  might  cut  off  all 
occasion  to  turn  aside,  and  to  do  all  the  good  I  could  to 
the  poor ;  but  if  I  thought  you  censured  me,  it  would  be  a 
pang  that  I  know  not  how  I  could  bear.  The  Lord  knows 
if  I  could  have  acted  differently,  and  saved  my  soul,  most 
gladly  would  I  have  done  so ;  but  I  believe  I  could  not." 

As  a  husband  he  was  devoted  and  tender  ;  and  perhaps 
no  man  ever  treated  a  wife  with  more  profound  respect 
and  unaffected  politeness  than  did  Mr.  Childs. 

As  a  parent  he  loved  his  children,  and  always  felt  the 
deepest  interest  in  their  welfare,  as  his  correspondence  with 
his  eldest  daughter  shows ;  yet  he  rarely  ever  fondled  or 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


257 


caressed  them.  His  family  discipline  was  maintained  with 
great  decision  and  firmness. 

The  following  additional  recollections  of  this  devout 
minister  of  the  Gospel,  furnished  by  Mrs.  Early,  with 
whom  he  was  more  intimate  than  with  any  other  Christian 
friend ;  and  who,  indeed,  knew  more  of  his  private  walk, 
in  all  the  relations  of  life,  than  any  one  else  not  constantly 
in  his  family,  cannot  fail  to  be  acceptable  to  the  reader,  at 
the  close  of  this  volume. 

Lynchburg,  Va. 

My  Dear  Brother  : — I  promised  to  give  you  some- 
thing further  in  relation  to  my  dear  brother,  "  in  the  way 
of  impressions  and  recollections,"  but  feel  like  one  ap- 
proaching hallowed  ground ;  so  incompetent  am  I  to  do 
justice  to  the  subject,  and  so  fearful  lest  I  obscure  the 
brightness  of  that  light  which  it  was  my  privilege,  in  part, 
to  behold  for  the  space  of  seventeen  years. 

Would  that  I  could  transfer  to  you  a  faithful  delineation 
of  the  impressions  left  upon  my  mind  and  heart ;  but  when 
I  make  the  eflbrt,  the  most  expressive  language  I  can  com- 
mand falls  so  far  short  that  I  am  almost  ready  to  despair. 

In  conversation,  a  few  days  ago,  with  an  intelligent  and 
prominent  member  on  the  Bedford  circuit,  he  made  the 
following  remark  : — "  Sister  E.,  I  have  seen  many  pious 
ministers,  and  had  many  to  lodge  under  my  roof  whom  I 
loved  and  venerated ;  but  when  Brother  Childs  came  to 
see  me,  I  felt  that  I  was  entertaining  one  who  was  more 
than  mortal.  A  sacred  awe  rested  upon  me,  as  though  I 
had  an  angel  in  my  house."  This  comes  nearer  my  own 
views  and  feelings  than  any  thing  I  could  say. 

I  will  now  give  you  such  reminiscences  as  I  may  be  able 
to  call  to  mind ;  but  fear  the  desultory  manner  will  pre- 
vent their  being  of  much  advantage  to  you. 

Since  his  marriage  with  my  sister  in  1833,  I  have  seen 
him  under  every  variety  of  circumstances,  and  been  much 
with  him  under  his  own  roof  while  sojourning  in  the  parson- 
ages on  the  Bedford,  Campbell,  and  Cumberland  circuits, 
and  several  months  with  them  in  Prince  Edward,  andunhesi- 


258 


LIFE  OF  THE 


tatingly  affirm  I  never  saw  his  like  before.  He  was  the 
same  consistent,  devout,  meek,  patient,  and  holy  man  in 
the  privacy  of  his  own  domicil  that  he  was  in  the  eyes  of 
all  who  knew  him.  Nay,  more — for  his  purity  shone  with 
a  brighter  lustre  in  the  midst  of  domestic  trials,  of  which, 
in  common  with  others,  they  had  their  share.  I  have  often 
thought  it  hard  to  determine  which  of  the  graces  brightest 
shone,  in  such  perfection  were  they  all  exhibited ;  but,  if 
any  had  the  pre-eminence,  it  was  his  unconquerable  pa- 
tience under  all  the  trials  of  public  and  private  life.  I 
never  saw  him  waver,  or,  in  the  slightest  degree,  moved 
from  his  steadfastness. 

You  know  he  lived  a  life  of  prayer.  When  at  home,  in 
addition  to  family  prayer  night  and  morning,  he  prayed 
with  his  family  at  noon ;  and  always,  on  leaving  and  re- 
turning home,  his  voice  was  heard  in  committing  himself 
and  all  his,  to  the  keeping  of  his  covenant  God.  In  addi- 
tion to  all  this,  if  friends  called  to  make  a  visit,  or  on  busi- 
ness, they  never  left  without  being  called  to  bow  the  knee 
before  the  great  I  AM.  And  yet  again,  if  any  thing  of  a 
peculiarly  trying  nature  occurred,  he  seemed  to  fly  in- 
stinctively to  the  Strong  for  strength.  And  my  sister  has 
told  me  that  she  has  known  him  suddenly  to  break  off  or 
interrupt  conversations  of  a  controversial  character,  when 
the  parties  seemed  to  be  unduly  excited,  and  by  his  fervent 
intercessions  call  off  the  mind  and  calm  every  feeling. 
But  this  liberty  he  never  took,  save  in  his  own  house. 

In  relation  to  his  social  qualities,  he  seemed  to  me  to 
be  faultless;  but  so  systematic  was  he  in  the  disposition 
of  his  time,  and  in  adhering  so  unwaveringly  to  what  he 
regarded  duty,  that,  by  many,  I  am  aware,  he  was  thought 
deficient  in  this  respect.  He  believed,  with  Mr.  Wesley, 
that  Christians  could  not  be  profitably  engaged  in  conver- 
sation, at  any  one  time,  more  than  an  hour ;  and  he  rarely 
spent  so  much  as  that,  unless  the  conversation  was  so  de- 
cidedly spiritual  as  to  afford  him  a  field  for  doing  good. 
And  then,  hours  would  pass  unheeded  by. 

In  the  family  circle,  (his  own  as  elsewhere,)  he  was  kind, 
gentle,  affable,  and  especially  polite  to  a  degree  I  have 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


259 


never  seen  in  any  one.  While  this  trait  of  character 
was  exhibited  to  all,  yet  more  especially  was  it  observable 
toward  his  wife ;  never  receiving  the  smallest  attentions 
at  her  hands  without  an  expression  of  thankfulness. 

As  a  father,  while  he  was  truly  tender  and  affectionate, 
'  he  never  fondled  his  children ;  and  yet  few  fathers  were 
ever  more  beloved  by  their  children,  and  no  children  more 
unreserved  in  the  presence  of  a  father.  He  was  quick  to 
observe  the  buddings  of  evil,  and  prompt  to  apply  suitable 
correction  :  fully  believing  that  he  who  spared  the  rod 
spoiled  the  child. 

As  a  friend  and  brother  I  can  speak  more  fully ;  and 
here  I  touch  a  chord  which  vibrates  through  all  the 
chambers  of  my  heart.  Always  the  same,  under  all  cir- 
cumstances. Sympathetic,  affectionate,  and  true  as  a 
brother  after  the  flesh,  but  chiefly  to  be  prized  for  his  un- 
flinching fidelity,  in  watching  with  a  jealous  eye  for  my 
spiritual  well-being.  Many  precious  proofs  are  stowed 
away  in  memory's  treasury,  one  of  which  I  will  give  you. 
On  a  very  cold  day,  while  on  a  visit  to  us,  he  led  the  class 
which  statedly  meets  in  our  house.  A  large  number  were 
present.  At  a  late  period,  when  nearly  all  the  seats  were 
occupied,  a  wealthy  member  of  the  class  came  in,  and  took 
one  of  the  few  remaining  seats  near  the  door.  I  had  a 
more  comfortable  seat  near  the  fire,  and  fearing  lest  her 
feeble  health  would  suffer  from  exposure  to  the  draught,  I 
several  times,  during  the  meeting,  invited  her  to  accept  it. 
When  the  meeting  had  closed,  and  we  were  alone,  with  the 
sweet  humility  which  ever  beamed  from  his  face,  he  told 
me  he  had  observed  the  special  attention  I  paid  to  that 
visiter,  while  others  similarly  situated,  were  unnoticed, 
and  feared  I  might  have  been  influenced  by  that  "respect 
of  persons"  so  clearly  condemned  by  the  word  of  God. 
Such  a  friend  is  more  precious  than  silver  and  gold,  and 
his  loss  incalculable. 

I  have  good  reason  to  believe  this  faithful  dealing  was 
not  confined  to  those  to  whom  he  was  thus  closely  allied. 
The  following  instance  occurred  during  his  last  memorable 
visit  to  us.    Among  other  visiters  who  had  called  during 


260 


LIFE  OF  THE 


the  morning,  was  a  lady  who  had  an  only  child,  and  that 
a  daughter  of  about  ten,  upon  whose  apparel  and  outward 
adorning  she  seemed  to  have  bestowed  undue  time  and 
labour.  This  he  had  noticed  a  year  or  two  before,  but  for 
want  of  an  opportunity  had  not  mentioned  it  to  the  mother. 
When  she  arose  to  depart,  we  were  invited  to  prayer,  as 
was  his  custom ;  after  which,  on  taking  her  hand  to  say 
farewell,  he  told  her  plainly,  but  most  tenderly,  wherein  he 
thought  she  was  in  error,  and  her  danger,  and  why  he  had 
not  mentioned  it  sooner.  And  I  presume  hundreds,  if  not 
thousands,  could  bear  testimony  to  his  faithfulness  in  ad- 
ministering private  reproof  and  admonition. 

In  relation  to  his  natural  disposition,  I  learned  from  him, 
what  I  presume  is  known  to  but  few,  that  before  his  con- 
version, he  possessed  an  exceedingly  quick  and  resentful 
spirit,  which  cost  him  many  a  painful  struggle  to  subdue. 
That  he  was  gay  and  worldly-minded,  and  indulged  in  a 
vein  of  witticism  which  made  his  company  to  be  sought 
after  by  the  mirthful  and  pleasure-taking.  These  proved 
a  fatal  snare  to  him ;  for,  after  his  conversion,  he  in  some 
good  degree,  lost  his  spirituality  and  became  a  mere  for- 
malist in  religion.  Happily  for  him,  he  was  not  permitted 
long  to  continue  in  this  state,  in  which  he  said,  he  often 
felt  that  if  that  was  the  alloi  comfort  which  religion  could 
give,  it  was  not  worth  the  struggle  it  cost  him. 

His  entire  renunciation  of  all  needless  conformity  to  the 
spirit,  maxims,  and  customs  of  the  world,  is  too  well  known 
to  need  confirmation ;  but  while  he  held  a  tight  rein  over 
himself  in  this  respect,  and  freely  and  faithfully  told  what 
were  his  views  on  this  subject,  he  was  never  known,  by  me, 
at  least,  to  exhibit,  in  the  smallest  degree,  a  spirit  of  cen- 
soriousness  toward  those  who  differed  with  him.  Even  in 
the  most  unfavourable  cases,  he  seemed  to  commit  such  to 
the  tender  mercies  of  our  God. 

He  was  very  decisive  in  his  views  and  practice  with  his 
children  on  this  subject,  and  would,  with  the  utmost  ten- 
derness, but  plainly,  give  his  wife  his  views  in  relation  to 
her  own  course ;  but  never,  for  the  first  time,  laid  a  burden 
on  her,  by  requiring,  or  even  requesting  her  to  follow  any 


ItEV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


261 


course  contrary  to,  or  without  the  approval  of  her  own 
judgment :  he  left  her  free  to  follow  the  decisions  of  her 
own  mind.  That,  on  this  subject,  his  mind  remained  un- 
changed, will  appear  from  the  fact  that  as  he  neared  the 
portals  of  glory,  he  again  and  again  assured  her,  he  saw 
no  other  way  but  that  of  the  cross — "  entire  renunciation 
of  the  world,  the  flesh  and  the  devil."  * 

The  following  incident  gives  practical  proof — trivial,  in- 
deed, it  would  appear  to  some — but  full  of  instruction  and 
admonition  to  all  who  are  seeking  for  all  the  mind  that 
was  in  Christ. 

About  two  years  before  his  death,  their  eldest  daughter, 
while  absent  at  school,  embroiderd  him  a  pair  of  cloth 
slippers,  which,  on  meeting  him,  she  presented,  as  a  token 
of  her  affectionate  remembrance.  They  were  received  by 
him,  with  an  appreciation  of  the  feelings  which  prompted 
his  child,  but  were  laid  aside  and  never  used.  During  his 
last  illness,  when  his  feet  could  be  no  longer  comfortable  in 
boots  or  shoes,  the  slippers  were  taken  out  by  his  wife  and 
offered  him.  He  consented  to  put  them  on,  as  they  were 
all  he  had.  After  wearing  them  several  days,  he  spoke 
with  gratitude  of  the  great  relief  they  gave  his  swollen  and 
tender  feet;  but  requested  her  to  cover  over  those  parts 
which  were  embroidered,  quoting  at  the  same  time  that 
forcible  passage  in  St.  John's  first  epistle,  2d  chapter, 
and  16th  verse  : — "  For  all  that  is  in  the  world,  the  lust  of 
the  flesh,  and  the  lust  of  the  eye,  and  the  pride  of  life,  is  not 
of  the  Father,  but  is  of  the  world."  They  were  then  worn 
constantly  thereafter,  until  he  reached  Norfolk ;  and  will 
be  preserved,  as  a  silent  monitor  to  his  family  and  friends. 

Yours  truly,  E.  B.  Early. 

We  have  followed  the  subject  of  this  biography  through, 
the  whole  period  of  his  earthly  existence.  We  have  seen 
his  early  training — we  have  witnessed  his  conversion  to 
God — his  connection  with  the  church — his  call  to  the 
ministry,  and  have  pursued  him  through  twenty-three 
years  of  ministerial  and  pastoral  labour,  in  the  midst  of 
the  evcrchanging  scenes  of  the  Methodist  itinerant  life. 


262         LIFE  OP  THE  REV.  J.  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


We  have  seen  his  fidelity — his  conscientiousness — his  in- 
cessant toil.  We  have  read  the  private  conflicts  of  his 
spiritual  life — we  have  examined  his  peculiar  views,  in  the 
light  of  his  own  explanations — we  have  seen  him  die. 
Are  there  not  many  things  worthy  of  our  imitation  ? 
May  we  not  derive  some  very  important  lessons  from  his 
life  ? 

The  work  is  concluded  with  the  earnest  prayer  that  the 
author  and  his  readers  may  derive  great  spiritual  benefit 
from  the  illustrious  example  of  piety,  which  it  has  been 
the  object  of  these  pages,  in  some  sort,  to  reanimate,  and 
send  forth  before  the  world,  as  a  silent  but  impressive 
teacher  of  the  way  of  life. 


FUNERAL  SERMON 

OF  THE 

REY.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


BY  REV.  G.  W.  LANGIIORNE. 


The  following  discourse  was  delivered  in  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  South,  in  Lynchburg,  Virginia,  the 
15th  of  May,  1850,  on  the  occasion  of  the  death  of  the 
Rev.  John  "Wesley  Childs,  by  the  Rev.  George  "W.  Lang- 
horne,  of  the  Virginia  Conference.  It  is  an  admirable 
sermon;  and  contains  a  fine  review  of  the  life  and  labours 
of  the  subject  of  the  foregoing  biography,  and  will  well 
repay  a  careful  perusal.  It  forms  an  interesting  and  ap- 
propriate Appendix  to  the  life  of  Mr.  Childs;  and  we  feel 
happy  in  being  permitted  to  lay  it  before  the  readers  of 
this  volume.  It  is  proper  to  say,  that  the  discourse  was 
prepared  for  the  press  at  the  request  of  the  family  of  the 
deceased. 


FUNEEAL  SERMON 


OF  THE 


RE Y.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


BY  REV.  G.  W.  LANGHORNE. 


"But  none  of  these  things  move  me,  neither  count  I  my  life 
dear  unto  myself,  so  that  I  might  finish  my  course  with  joy, 
and  the  ministry  which  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to 
testify  the  Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God." — Acts  xx.  24. 

The  remarkable  phenomena  which  graced  the  convic- 
tion of  Paul;  the  mighty  struggle  through  which  he  was 
called  to  pass  ere  he  was  delivered  from  his  spiritual 
thraldom ;  and  the  alacrity  with  which  he  entered  upon, 
and  the  intrepid  manner  in  which  he  prosecuted,  the 
onerous  duties  of  his  high  and  solemn  calling,  all  seemed 
to  foreshadow  his  subsequently  bright  and  glorious  career. 

After  many  years  of  unexampled  labour  in  the  king- 
dom of  Messiah,  we  find  him  on  his  way  to  Jerusalem; 
and  having  reached  Miletus,  he  despatched  messengers  to  + 
Ephesus,  and  called  together  the  elders  of  the  church,  in 
order  that  he  might  instruct  them  more  thoroughly  in  the 
things  appertaining  to  their  pastoral  duties.  When  they 
had  come  unto  him,  he  adverted  to  the  manner  in  which 
he  had  demeaned  himself  before  them — the  fidelity  and 
zeal  with  which  he  had  discharged  his  apostolic  functions — 

23  265 


266 


FUNERAL  SERMON  OF  THE 


and,  at  the  same  time,  informed  them  that  clouds  of  impe- 
netrable uncertainty  cast  their  fearful  shadows  over  his 
future  prospects,  and  precluded  any  definite  opinion  as  to 
the  final  result :  "  save  that  the  Holy  Ghost  testifieth  *  * 
saying  that  bonds  and  afflictions  await  me."  It  is  but 
reasonable  to  suppose  that  the  instincts  of  nature  involun- 
tarily recoiled  at  the  prospect  of  physical  suffering,  yet  his 
spirit  rose  in  the  majesty  of  divine  sufficiency,  and,  dis- 
daining to  yield  to  the  promptings  of  natural  timidity,  he 
boldly  avowed  his  purpose  to  go  forward  in  the  strength 
of  all  conquering  power — to  risk  limbs  and  life  itself  in 
the  cause  of  religion,  and  leave  the  consequences  in  the 
hands  of  God. 

You  have  been  summoned  together  this  afternoon,  yet 
not  to  receive  the  parting  benedictions  and  heavenly  in- 
structions of  the  ambassador  of  the  "  Prince  of  peace," 
nor  even  to  gaze  upon  the  face  irradiated  with  the  divine 
fire  that  glows  within  a  bosom  warmed  and  inspired  with 
the  love  of  God;  but  to  pay  the  last  sad  tribute  of  respect 
to  an  honoured,  beloved,  and  deeply-lamented  minister  of 
Jesus  Christ — to  follow  to  the  lone  retreat,  and  commit  to 
the  custody  of  the  insatiate  tomb,  the  mortal  remains  of 
the  Rev.  John  W.  Childs,  who  for  twenty-three  years  has 
been  a  member  of  the  Virginia  Annual  Conference. 

This  solemn  event  imposes  on  your  speaker  a  most 
painful  and  impressive  task — a  duty  which  derives  its 
poignancy  not  from  any  misgivings  as  to  the  present 
beatitude  of  our  brother,  but  from  sacred  reminiscences — 
from  the  premature  blight  that  has  settled  upon  the 
hopes,  and  the  tide  of  unutterable  anguish  which  rolls  its 
chilling  waves  over  the  warm  affections  of  the  beart- 
smitten  widow,  helpless  orphans,  and  numerous  relations. 
In  the  exercise  of  my  ministry  I  have  been  often  called 
to  attend  to  the  grave  the  hapless  victim  of  the  "king  of 
terrors" — to  perform  the  obsequies  of  the  pious  dead  aa 
well  as  those  whose  wayward  lives  and  impenitent  deaths 
threw  back  no  ray  of  hope  to  cheer  the  heart-riven  survi- 
vors; but  never  until  this  hour  has  it  been  my  lot  to 
perform  this  office  at  the  demise  of  a  minister  of  Christ — 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


267 


a  brother  beloved,  and  co-labourer  in  the  vineyard  of  our 
Lord.  I  will  not  attempt  an  apology  for  my  incompe- 
tency, or  indulge  in  those  rcpinings  which  might  seem  to 
infringe  upon  the  wisdom,  or  call  in  question  the  good- 
ness of  the  Master,  being  fully  persuaded,  that  if  ever  I 
have  witnessed  an  instance  in  which  the  tear  of  sorrow 
has  been  wiped  away  by  the  sunlight  of  immortality — 
where  the  loss  of  the  survivors  preponderates  with  "an 
eternal  weight  of  glory"  to  the  departed,  it  is  m  this  case; 
for  him  "to  die  was  gain." 

The  text  and  the  occasion  combine  to  invite  us  to  con- 
template the  ministerial  appointment,  its  toils  and  cares, 
and  the  noble  daring  and  self-denial  requisite  to  a  faith- 
ful discharge  of  the  functions  of  the  same. 

In  conducting  this  examination,  I  take  leave  to  remind 
you — 

I.  That  the  true  minister  of  the  Gospel  receives  his 
appointment  thereto  from  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ — "the 
ministry  which  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus." 

At  the  promulgation  of  the  Law,  and  the  internal  orga- 
nization of  the  Jewish  confederacy,  and  the  original  insti- 
tution of  the  Gospel,  the  Almighty  saw  fit  to  hallow  and 
immortalize  those  stupendous  events  with  such  visible 
manifestations  of  his  Godhead  and  power  as  furnished 
them  with  the  undying  evidences  of  their  Divine  origin ; 
and  as  his  benevolent  designs  were  to  be  accomplished 
through  human  instrumentalities,  he  honoured  his  original 
agents  in  a  manner  suited  to  their  peculiar  positions,  and 
the  exigencies  of  their  calling — threw  around  them  such 
clearly-marked  evidences  of  supernatural  appointment  as 
would  challenge  the  confidence  and  rebuke  the  incredulity 
of  all  succeeding  ages.  These,  however,  were  given  for  a 
specific  object,  aud  designed  for  a  limited  period;  after 
which  the  Gospel  was  to  appeal  to  its  own  excellencies, 
and  the  ministry  to  less  conspicuous,  yet  equally  satisfac- 
tory, indications  of  Divine  appointment. 

If  an  individual  or  a  class  of  persons  should  claim  to 
be  the  legal  representatives  of  these  holy  and  remarkable 
men,  whose  call  to  the  apostleship  has  been  indelibly 


268  FUNERAL  SERMON  OF  THE 


written  in  preternatural  works  and  plenary  inspiration,  a 
discerning  public  would  naturally  anticipate  and  wisely 
demand  the  production  of  those  evidences  that  will  make 
good  such  high  pretensions ;  and  in  default  of  such  tes- 
timony, no  declamations  could  save  them  from  the  just 
suspicion  of  impostors — as  being  empty  vapourers,  whose 
only  claim  is  founded  in  arrogance  ! 

While  there  is  no  reason  to  expect  any  supernatural 
phenomenon  to  attend  the  call  of  a  man  to  the  sacred 
office  in  our  day,  still  the  Scriptures  of  God,  and  the  uni- 
form belief  of  all  orthodox  Christians,  justify  and  require 
a  belief  in,  and  acknowledgment  of,  a  Divine  influence  in 
such  an  appointment.  On  this  subject  the  word  of  God 
expressly  declares — "No  man  taketh  to  himself  (right- 
fully) this  honour  but  he  that  is  called  of  God,  as  was 
Aaron;"  while  the  church  propounds  this  heart-searching 
inquiry — "  Do  you  trust  that  you  are  inwardly  moved  by 
the  Holy  Ghost  to  take  upon  you  the  office  of  the  ministry 
in  the  Church  of  God  ?"  To  which  the  candidate  is  re- 
quired to  respond — "I  trust  so."  Of  this  appointment  to 
the  work  of  the  ministry  I  take  leave  to  say — 

1.  It  is  made  irrespective  of  the  wishes,  and  in  direct 
opposition  to  the  opinions  of  men.  In  this  instance  the 
"  Lord  of  the  harvest"  acts  arbitrarily.  He  calls  for  no 
counsellor  with  whom  he  may  advise  ;  and  admits  no 
fellow  to  the  secret  purpose  of  his  will.  His  infinite 
wisdom  has  marked  out  the  great  pathway  of  his  mediato- 
rial operations ;  and  his  illimitable  power,  while  it  con- 
descends to  press  into  its  service  the  frail  instruments  of 
earth,  reserves  to  itself  the  right  to  do,  and  the  honour  of 
having  accomplished  his  godlike  designs,  "  that  the  excel- 
lency of  the  power  may  be  of  God,  and  not  of  us."  Hence, 
he  appoints  to  this  work  whom  he  will :  it  may  be  an  eru- 
dite Paul,  an  eloquent  Apollos,  or  a  plain,  unlettered,  and 
uninformed  Peter;  still,  let  the  lot  fall  on  whom  it  may, 
it  is  His  own  choice,  his  sovereign  act;  and  he  who  enters 
the  ministry  in  any  other  way  is  a  hireling  intruder  into 
the  sacred  office. 

The  validity  of  this  appointment  is  not  dependent  on 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CIIILDS. 


269 


human  ceremonials,  but  on  the  call  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
its  confirmation  hi/  Divine  sanction.  On  this  point,  the 
following,  from  the  Rev.  II.  Bascom,  is  so  pertinent  to  my 
purpose  and  consonant  with  my  own  opinion,  that  I  take 
the  liberty  of  transcribing  it  for  your  benefit — "  We  are 
far  from  thinking,  however,  that  the  Divine  commission 
of  which  we  speak,  is,  iu  every  essential  consecutive  sense, 
dependent  on  human  authority.  The  weighty,  heaven- 
required  qualifications  for  the  ministry  are  not  likely  to 
result  from  a  hasty  miscellaneous  conscription  on  the  one 
hand,  or  systematic  recruit  for  the  pulpit  on  the  other. 
Those  who  have  rushed  into  the  pulpit  from  visionary  im- 
pulse, or  selfish,  interested  motives,  or  have  been  conduct- 
ed thither  by  the  drill  and  cant  of  others,  deserve  sym- 
pathy, it  is  true,  but  only  as  objects  of  pity.  They  are  like 
the  prophet's  '  abomination  of  desolations/  found  in  the 
place  where  of  all  others  they  ought  not  to  be,  and  their 
folly  is  not  unaptly  illustrated — for  the  analogy  is  prophe- 
tic— by  that  of  Uzziah,  who,  usurping  the  rights  of  the 
altar,  lost  his  throne;  and,  entering  the  house  of  God  au 
unaccredited  priest,  went  out  a  perpetual  leper." 

In  seeking  the  true  basis  of  ministerial  vocation,  we 
do  not  appeal  to  the  fable  of  prelatical  succession,  or  eccle- 
siastical reproduction  by  corporate  church  arrangement,  in- 
consistently derived,  as  we  conceive,  from  a  union,  a  mar- 
riage of  convenience,  on  the  part  of  the  "man  of  sin"  and 
"  mother  of  abominations,"  and  but  too  aptly  symbolized 
by  the  one  and  the  other.  We  are  compelled  to  reject 
every  theory  which  does  not  preserve  the  ministry  from  the 
very  doubtful  origin,  the  bastardy  involved  in  such  an  as- 
sumption. Here  the  matter  is  presented  in  a  true  gospel 
flight — is  placed  on  the  only  scriptural  basis,  the  appoint- 
ment of  God  most  high. 

That  man  who  has  entered  the  ministry  with  that  sense 
of  imperious  necessity  which  attends  the  call  of  the  Holy 
Ghost, — who  tremblingly  adventures  on  a  work  he  did 
not  seek,  yet  dares  not  omit, — will,  in  the  exercise  of  his 
sacred  functions,  receive  those  evidences  of  Divine  appro- 
val that  will  confirm  his  own  convictions  of  duty  and  be 

23* 


270  FUNERAL  SERMON  OF  THE 


his  witness  to  the  church  and  tlie  world,  that  he  went  forth 
at  the  bidding  and  under  the  smiles  of  the  Master.  "  Ye," 
says  the  apostle,  "  are  our  epistle,  known  and  read  of  all 
men."  The  niiuistry  of  such  an  one  will  not  be  a  mere 
syncretism,  but  a  demonstration  of  the  "power  of  God  and 
the  wisdom  of  God." 

While  our  lamented  brother  was  not  indifferent  to  those 
prudential  regulations  which  affix  the  seal  of  ecclesiastical 
recognition  of  a  Divine  call  to  the  work  of  the  ministry, 
he,  nevertheless,  traced  his  authority  to  the  only  correct  and 
sufficient  source  of  ministerial  qualifications — the  bidding 
of  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ ;  and  his  whole  life  furnishes  us 
with  the  assurance'  that  nothing  short  of  the  most  over- 
whelming conviction  of  indispensable  duty — an  obligation 
which  involved  his  present  peace  and  eternal  welfare — 
could  have  indilced  him  to  engage  in  the  toils  and  respon- 
sibilities of  preaching  the  Gospel.  The  lips  which  would 
a  few  days  since  have  declared  the  heaven-inspired  motive 
which  moved  him  to  the  office  of  an  "  ambassador  for  God" 
are  now  placed  under  the  seal  of  death,  and  consequently 
are  incapable  of  responding  to  any  interrogatory  which  the 
curious  may  be  inclined  to  propound  on  this  particular 
point;  yet  I  will  venture  the  assertion  that  he  did  not "  rush 
into  the  pulpit  from  visionary  impulse,  or  selfish,  interested 
motives,"  nor  was  he  "  conducted  thither  by  the  drill  and 
cant  of  others,"  but  deep  down  in  the  chambers  of  his  con- 
science the  "  still  small  voice"  of  the  infallible  Teacher 
issued  the  mandate  of  Heaven,  and  with  trembling  awe, 
and  self-distrusting  care,  he  obeyed  the  summons. 

But  his  commission  has  been  required  by  the  Master 
of  assemblies — the  weapons  of  warfare  are  laid  down  at  the 
.  feet  of  his  commander — for  the  last  battle,  the  dread  con- 
test with  death,  has  been  fought  and  won;  and  instinctively 
we  turn  to  the  scenes  of  his  conflicts,  and  the  fields  he 
was  called  to  cultivate,  in  quest  of  these  heaven-attested 
evidences  of  his  divine  warrant ;  and,  on  a  hasty  review, 
we  return  with  the  joyful  report  that  souls,  converted 
through  his  instrumentality,  have  already  died  in  the  faith, 
and  have  "  heired  the  promised  thrones"  of  God's  king- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


271 


dora — have  entered  in  advance  of  him  the  "  church  of  the 
first-born  in  heaven  ;"  while  many  more  are  enrolled  in  the 
"  sacramental  host,"  and  are  wending  their  course,  and 
fighting  their  way  to  the  great  rendezvous  above.  Jesus 
Christ,  the  "  captain  of  our  salvation,"  honoured  and 
crowned  his  feeble  instrumentality, — 

"Yet  all  his  trophies,  all  his  spoils, 
He  hung  upon  the  cross." 

I  take  leave  to  remind  you — 

2.  That  the  appointment  to  the  office  of  the  ministry  is 
made  at  the  loss  of  temporal  prosper  ity  and  worldly  henour. 

lie  who  enters  the  ministry  as  it  should  be  entered,  and 
prosecutes  it  with  that  singleness  of  purpose  and  assiduity 
of  labour  with  which  it  must  be  followed,  in  order  to  meet 
the  high  and  holy  designs  of  its  Author,  must  give  up  all 
other  pursuits,  and  abandon  every  other  and  inferior 
object.  A  minister  should  be  "a  man  of  one  work!" 
Having  buckled  on  the  sacerdotal  armour,  and  entered  the 
wide  arena  of  spiritual  contest,  he  should  gaze  on  the  world 
as  spread  out  before  him  in  all  its  false  alluring  charms — 
the  cross  despised,  rejected,  scorned — and  be  able  to  sing 
with  the  poet  from  the  very  bottom  of  his  heart — 

"Jesus,  I  my  cross  have  taken, 
All  to  leave,  and  follow  thee  : 
Naked,  poor,  despised,  forsaken, 
Thou,  from  hence,  my  all  shalt  be." 

That  it  is  in  strict  accordance  with  the  will  of  God  that 
those  who  serve  at  the  altars  of  his  church  should  be  sepa- 
rated from  secular  pursuits,  and  dead  to  the  honours  of 
the  world,  is  made  plain  to  my  mind  from  these  facts  that, 
under  the  Mosaic  economy,  God  gave  to  the  tribe  of  Levi 
no  portion  in  the  distribution  of  the  land  of  promise  ;  "he 
designed  that  they  should  be  supported  by  the  tithes,  the 
first-fruits,  the  offerings  that  were  made  in  the  temple ;  by 
their  share  of  the  sin-offerings  and  thanksgiving-offerings 
that  were  sacrificed  in  the  temple,  of  which  certain  parts 
were  appropriated  to  the  priests,"  and  the  peculiar  consti- 
tution of  the  ministerial  corps  under  the  Gospel  of  his 


272 


FUNERAL  SERMON  OF  THE 


Son,  of  whose  appropriate,  peculiar,  and  absorbing  duty,  the 
apostle  Peter  thus  speaks — "It  is  not  reason  that  we  should 
leave  the  word  of  God  and  serve  tables.  *  *  We  will 
give  ourselves  continually  to  prayer,  and  to  the  ministry 
of  the  word."  (Acts  vi.  2,  4.)  And  whosoever  (unless 
providentially  incapacitated  for  active  efficient  labour,  or 
forced  by  the  penuriousness  of  the  church)  turns  aside 
from  these  heaven-prescribed  duties  to  amass  the  pelf  of 
earth,  to  evoke  the  empty  applause  of  men,  or  to  super- 
vise and  control  literary  institutions,  does,  in  the  opinion 
of  your  speaker,  compromise,  to  a  great  extent,  that  work 
to  which  he  professed  to  have  been  called. 

It  surely  does  not  savour  of  vanity,  nor  will  the  charge  of 
egotism  lie  against  me,  when  I  assume,  for  the  great  body 
of  the  ministry,  abilities  equal  to  those  possessed  by  their 
fellow  men ;  nor  is  it  unreasonable  to  opine  that  if  they 
had  directed  the  talents  which  God  has  given  them,  to 
secular  employments,  they  would  have  secured  for  them- 
selves and  families  an  honourable  share  of  the  temporal 
independence  and  fame  which  have  crowned  the  efforts  of 
the  men  of  this  world.  Many  of  them  abandoned,  for  the 
sake  of  the  Gospel,  pursuits  which,  in  the  ordinary  course 
of  events,  would  have  filled  their  coffers  with  gold,  and 
inscribed  their  names  in  the  temple  of  fame.  But  God 
ordained  it  otherwise — selected  them  for  another  and  a 
nobler  enterprise — impelled  them  to  a  work,  which,  though 
despised  and  spurned  by  a  majority  of  the  world,  and  too 
lightly  esteemed  by  the  church,  shall  ultimately  receive  a 
reward  commensurate  with  its  true  merits ;  for,  "  when 
infidelity  lies  buried  in  the  grave  of  years,  epitaphed  in 
characters  of  execration  by  the  millions  disabused  of  its 
sorceries,  the  ministry  shall  receive  the  homage  of  ages, 
and  share  the  admiration  of  a  virtuous  universe."  But, 
for  the  ministry  to  share  the  reverence  of  the  present,  and 
extort  the  homage  of  succeeding  generations,  it  must  be 
kept  separated  from  the  mammon  mania  which  has  infected 
the  world,  and  free  from  those  aspirations  after  the  "  ho- 
nour that  cometh  of  men" — that  love  of  praise,  to  gratify 
which  morality,  humanity,  and  religion,  have  been  so  fre- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


273 


quently  and  shamefully  sacrificed.  And,  indeed,  if  the 
duties  of  the  sacred  office  are  faithfully  and  conscientiously 
discharged,  there  will  be  neither  time  nor  inclination  to 
pursue  any  other  object.  Happy  is  that  man  who  can 
say  in  truth — "  Lo,"  I  "  have  forsaken  all,  and  followed 
thee." 

While  I  am  not  in  possession  of  an}r  information  as  to 
what  avocation  our  departed  brother  had  selected  anterior 
to  his  entering  the  ministry,  or  what  smiling,  cheering 
prospects  of  wealth  and  honour  loomed  up  before  him,  and 
cast  their  radiance  on  the  distance ;  still  I  may  venture 
the  opinion,  that  had  he  applied  himself  to  any  ordinary 
business  with  the  same  assiduity  and  perseverance  which 
characterized  his  course  as  a  preacher  of  the  Gospel,  plenty 
would  have  crowned  his  board,  and  competency  have  de- 
scended to  his  family.  But  he  forsook  all,  and  became 
emphatically  "  a  man  of  one  work."  All  the  energies  of 
mind  and  body  were  laid  under  contribution  to  advance 
the  glory  of  God  and  the  good  of  the  church :  aye,  his 
heart,  mind,  life,  substance,  were  laid  upon  the  altar  of 
his  Maker ;  and  as  holy  fire,  the  fire  of  love,  consecrates 
the  offering,  it  bound  him  a  willing  and  adoring  captive 
to  the  interests  of  Christianity.  No  mental  reservation 
— no  probable  prosperous  or  popular  contingency  marred 
the  sacrifice,  or  held  in  dubious  equiponderauce  his  future 
operations ;  his  purpose  was  settled,  his  consecration  en- 
tire ;  and  his  course  was  onward,  and  as  unwavering  as  the 
needle  to  the  north  pole.  He  could,  and  no  doubt  did, 
invariably  sing  with  the  poet : — 

"And  while  thou  shalt  smile  upon  me, 
God  of  wisdom,  love,  and  might, 
Foes  may  hate,  and  friends  disown  me; 
Show  thy  face,  and  all  is  bright" 

The  conduct  of  the  deceased,  as  it  regarded  his  temporal 
affairs,  seemed  to  those  most  intimately  connected  with 
him  by  the  ties  of  consanguinity,  to  savour  of  an  indiffer- 
ence incompatible  with  his  relations  as  husband  and 
father;  and  ever  and  anon  feelings  of  disapprobation 


274 


FUNERAL  SERMON  OP  THE 


struggled  in  their  bosoms ;  and,  it  appears  from  a  touch- 
ing incident  that  occurred  during  his  last  illness,  that  he 
was  not  ignorant  of  those  views.  In  a  conversation  with 
the  companion  of  his  bosom,  touching  this  matter,  he 
asked,  with  tears  in  his  eyes,  if  she  censured  his  conduct ; 
alleging  that  if  she  did,  it  would  be  the  bitterest  drop  in 
his  cup  of  affliction.  Being  assured  that  she  did  not,  he 
replied  : — "I  did  it,  my  dear,  to  cut  off  all  occasion  to  turn 
aside,  and  to  give  all  I  could  to  the  poor."  Whatever 
may  be  thought  of  the  correctness  of  his  opinions,  and  the 
propriety  of  his  conduct  in  this  matter — and  there  will  be 
differences  of  opinion — still  the  high  and  holy  motive 
which  influenced  him  must  be  admitted,  and  should  com- 
mand our  admiration.  He  felt  that  God  had  called  him 
to  preach  the  Gospel — made  it  his  business  to  do  all  the 
good  in  his  power;  he  knew  that  the  flesh  was  weak,  that 
ministers  are  not  angels,  but  men ;  that  the  means  of  tem- 
poral comfort  and  independence  might  give  additional 
force  to  the  complainings  of  nature  against  the  toils  and 
privations  of  the  life  of  an  itinerant ;  and  by  possibility 
ultimately  lead  him  to  the  land  of  location ;  therefore,  to 
"  cut  off  all  occasion  to  turn  aside" — to  deprive  the  enemy 
of  his  soul  of  this  weapon,  and  the  flesh  of  this  vain  prop, 
he  gave  away  every  thing  that  was  not  absolutely  neces- 
sary for  the  wants  of  his  family.  His  views  may  have 
been,  and  I  incline  to  the  opinion,  were  erroneous,  but  the 
motive  was  right,  and  characteristic  of  the  manlike  John 
TV.  Childs,  whose  fervour  of  soul  in  communing  with  his 
Maker  kept  him  in  such  a  state  of  spiritual  absorption,  as 
enabled  him  to  be  continually  feeling — ■ 

"Nothing  I  ask  or  want  beside, 
Of  all  in  earth  or  heaven, 
But  let  ine  feel  thy  blood  applied, 
And  live  and  die  forgiven." 

1  take  leave  to  remind  you — 

3.  That  this  appointment  is  often  attended  -with  great, 
personal  sacrifice.  When  the  Gospel  was  first  promul- 
gated, its  adoption  was  understood  to  involve,  or  put  in 
jeopardy,  almost  every  temporal  interest;  to  subject  him 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


275 


who  embraced  it,  to  the  loss  of  every  thing  save  the  hap- 
piness it  imparted,  the  hope  it  inspired.  But,  as  Chris- 
tianity has  advanced,  as  its  glorious  and  benign  influences 
have  spread  over  the  world,  the  nations  have  been  con- 
strained to  do  her  reverence ;  and,  consequently,  the  bit- 
terness of  opposition,  and  the  virulence  of  persecution 
through  which  she  formerly  made  her  way,  have  disap- 
peared, and  now  we  may  all  worship  God  according  to  the 
dictates  of  our  consciences,  "  none  daring  to  make  us 
afraid."  With  ascriptions  of  unutterable  praise  to  our 
heavenly  Father,  be  it  said,  that  the  raptures  of  pardon- 
ing love  are  no  longer  overcast  with  the  shadows  of  prisons, 
tortures,  and  death ;  nor  is  a  conscientious  profession  of 
religion  attended  with  forebodings  of  the  confiscation  of 
goods,  or  forcible  expatriation  from  family,  home,  and 
country;  nay,  for  every  house  may  be  a  domestic  temple 
into  which  the  foot  of  violence  dare  not  enter. 

But,  while  this  is  true  of  Christians  in  general,  and 
likewise  of  those  ministers  whose  ecclesiastical  economy 
is  of  a  local  character,  it  may  still  be  affirmed  of  itinerant 
ministers,  that  they  are  required  to  forsake  all,  to  forego 
the  smiles  and  company  of  their  parents,  to  behold,  it  may 
be,  the  tears,  to  mark  the  mental  agonies,  and  hear  the 
lamentations  of  widowed  mothers  ;  to  give  up  the  gushing 
sympathies  and  the  warm  solacements,  the  cheerful  con- 
versation and  dear  association  of  sisters  and  brothers,  and 
the  comforts  and  employments  of  home;  and  go,  they 
know  not  where,  it  may  be  to  the  "  city  full,  or  desert 
waste,"  to  the  salubrious  atmosphere  of  the  mountain 
ranges,  or  the  far  off  low-lands,  whose  swamps  and  streams 
emit  the  health-destroying  if  not  life-consuming  miasma. 
Aye,  they  must  enter  the  house  where  wealth  spreads  its 
profusion  around,  and  the  cot  where  gaunt  poverty  is 
impersonated  in  every  object  that  meets  the  eye.  Such 
is  the  life  of  an  itinerant. 

It  is  often  said,  and  in  its  practical  application  to  so^ 
of  the  ministerial  corps,  said  correctly,  that  so  far  from 
making  sacrifices,  their  conditions  are  gnatly  improved 
by  entering  the  ministry;  that  they  had  bat  little,  if  any 


276 


FUNERAL  SERMON  OF  THE 


thing  to  forsake,  and  every  thing  to  gain.  In  like  manner, 
infidels  are  wont  to  ridicule  the  idea  of  the  apostles  sacri- 
ficing any  thing,  when  all  they  had  to  leave  was  their 
fishing  nets.  This  may  he  true,  and  yet  they  forsook  their 
all,  gave  up  that  which  had  heen,  and  was  still  capable  of 
procuring  them  a  competency.  Even  so  may  it  be  said  of 
the  most  ordinary  and  obscure  among  the  ministry;  for 
the  poorest  and  most  inconsiderable  have  their  endear- 
ments, associations,  enjoyments,  and  hopes ;  and  does  not 
every  bosom  swell  with  a  bounding  response  to  the  poet's 
assertion, 

"  Be  it  ever  so  humble,  there's  no  place  like  home." 

Now,  all  these  must  be  forsaken, — sacrificed  for  the  sake  of 
the  Gospel. 

While,  as  has  been  admitted,  some  ministers  are  the 
gainers  by  their  office, — that  they  form  associations,  and 
reach  a  prominence  to  which  they  had  remained  strangers 
but  for  the  ministry ;  still,  there  are  many  others  whose 
family  connections  will  compare  with  any  in  the  land ;  and 
whose  rearing,  in  consequence  thereof,  was  such  as  to  give 
them  access  to  any  society  they  might  choose  to  enjoy,  and 
whose  talents  would  have  raised  them  to  eminence  in  any 
department  in  life.  Hence,  however  high  they  may  raise 
in  the  estimation  of  the  church,  though  their  lots  may 
always  be  cast  with  the  choicest  of  the  spiritual  flock,  still 
they  lead  a  life  of  sacrifice,  and  must  continue  to  do  so,  as 
long  as  they  remain  in  the  itinerant  field. 

He  whose  demise  we  are  now  lamenting,  realized  his 
share  of  the  "  lights  and  shadows"  which  make  up  the 
eventful  life  of  an  itinerant.  Home,  and  its  cherished 
reminiscences ;  kindred,  and  the  endeared  associations  of 
youth ;  and  the  world,  with  its  hopes  and  prospects,  were 
all  abandoned,  truly  and  unreservedly  resigned.  In  the 
course  of  his  pilgrimage  he  passed  through  the  regular 
gradation  from  the  novitiate  to  the  position  of  presiding 
elder,  which  office  he  filled  for  several  years.  When  you 
are  informed  that  more  than  twenty-three  years  of  his  life 
were  employed  in  this  work,  and  all  the  time,  except  while 


REV.  JOHX  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


277 


presiding  elder,  was  spent  on  circuits,  you  may  readily  con- 
clude that  he  was  no  novice  in  the  toils,  privations,  sor- 
rows, and  joys  of  the' ministry — he  tasted  them  all. 

With  these  views  on  the  appointment  to  the  sacred 
office,  and  the  sacrifices  and  duties  of  the  same,  I  will  pro- 
ceed to  state — 

EE.  That  having  received  this  office  from  the  Lord  Jesus, 
the  pervading  desire  and  absorbing  concern  of  the  true 
minister,  is  faithfully  to  testify  the  Gospel  of  the  grace  of 
God.  "So  I  may  finish  my  course  with  joy,  and  the 
ministry  which  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  tes- 
tify the  Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God." 

The  concern  expressed  by  the  apostle  Paul,  and  which, 
to  some  degree,  glows  within  the  bosom  of  every  true 
minister  of  Jesus  Christ,  is  not  a  fitful  emotion,  the  mere 
effervescence  of  a  moment,  but  a  deep-rooted,  abiding  prin- 
ciple ;  and  one  that  gains  strength  and  intensity  in  pro- 
portion with  the  growth  of  grace  in  the  heart.  It  is  a  re- 
kindling of  that  flame  spoken  of  by  the  prophet,  "  the  zeal 
of  thy  house  hath  eaten  me  up;"  a  type  of  the  heaven-in- 
spired feeling  of  Paul,  who  declared,  "  I  could  wish  my- 
self accursed  from  Christ,  for  my  brethren,  my  kiusmen 
according  to  the  flesh."  The  self-called  and  humanly-au- 
thorized preachers,  those  men  who  convert  the  pulpit  into 
a  theatre  "on  which  to  display,  not  the  sanctity  of  a  Jew- 
ish prophet,  or  the  purity  of  a  Christian  apostle,  but 
merely  to  excite  the  eager,  it  may  be  idiot  gaze  of  an  un- 
discerning  crowd,  the  vendings,  perhaps,  of  sectarian  bile, 
or  the  still  more  sickly  pulings  of  some  pampered  favour- 
ite or  starvling  sycophant,"  are  of  course,  and  from  ne- 
cessity, strangers  to  the  concern  of  what  the  text  speaks. 
Not  having  entered  the  outer  court  of  Christianity,  they 
cannot  understand  the  sublimer  mysteries  of  grace,  much 
less  the  deep  things  unfolded  in  the  ministerial  office ;  for 
let  it  be  remembered,  that  "  he  only  is  a  real  minister  of 
Jesus  Christ,  who,  in  the  character  of  his  ministry,  con- 
sults alike  the  weal  of  man,  the  welfare  of  ages,  and  the 
glory  of  God,  and  is  solely  and  burningly  occupied  with 
the  one  pure,  intense  interest." 

24 


278 


FUNERAL  SERMON  OF  THE 


That  man  who  is  influenced  by  a  concern  akin  to  that 
felt  by  the  apostle,  will  be  continually  looking — 

1.  To  his  personal  piety  and  m  inisterial  fidelity. — No 
man  can  be  a  minister  of  Christ  who  is  not  a  child  of  God 
by  spiritual  regeneration — made  such,  not  by  imposing 
ceremonials,  but  by  "  repentance  toward  God,  and  faith  in 
our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."  W e  had  as  well  maintain  that  a 
foreigner  or  an  outlaw  can  be  an  ambassador  from  our  go- 
vernment to  a  foreign  court,  as  to  suppose  that  an  uncon- 
verted individual  can  be  a  Gospel  minister.  The  thing  is 
as  clearly  contradictory  as  it  is  positively  absurd.  As, 
therefore,  personal  piety  is  an  indispensable  prerequisite  to 
ministerial  appointment — a  qualification  without  which  all 
things  else  are  unavailing — even  so  is  it  essentially  neces- 
sary to  maintain  this  state  of  grace  in  order  to  fulfil  the 
duties  of  the  office.  That  a  decent  exterior,  an  outward 
conformity  to  conventional  regulations,  and  an  avoiding 
of  gross  immorality,  may  exist  and  be  maintained  in  the 
absence  of  personal  piety,  will  be  admitted ;  but  such  a 
ministry  will  be  a  mere  cipher — a  drudgery  as  unproductive 
of  good  to  the  church  and  the  world,  as  venal  to  the  indi- 
vidual himself.  If  I  have  not  entirely  misapprehended  the 
meaning  of  the  Master,  these  views  are  fully  sustained  by 
him  in  the  following  memorable  passage.  "  Ye  are  the 
salt  of  the  earth  :  but  if  the  salt  had  lost  its  savour, 
wherewith  shall  it  be  salted  ?  it  is  thenceforth  good  for 
nothing,  but  to  be  cast  out,  and  to  be  trodden  under  foot 
of  man."  (Matt.  v.  13.)  Some,  whose  interest  may  be 
advanced  by  the  evasion,  may  attempt  to  destroy  the  force 
of  this  passage  by  saying,  "  The  salt  used  in  this  coun- 
try is  a  chemical  compound — muriate  of  soda — and  if 
the  soilness  were  lost,  or  it  was  to  lose  its  savour,  there 
would  be  nothing  remaining."  True,  such  is  the  fact,  but 
the  salt  used  in  eastern  countries  was  "  impure,  min- 
gled with  vegetable  and  earthy  substances ;  so  that  it 
might  lose  the  whole  of  its  saltness,  and  a  considerable 
quantity  of  earthy  matter  remain.  This  was  good  for 
nothing,  except  that  it  was  used,  as  it  is  said,  to  place  in 
paths  or  walks,  as  we  use  gravel.    This  kind  of  salt  is 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


common  still  in  that  country."  If,  therefore,  there  he  any 
point  in  the  simile,  it  is  to  be  found,  not  only  in  the  useless- 
ness  of  an  empty  profession  of  religion,  but  specially  in  the 
uortklcssness  of  an  ungodly  ministry. 

This  truth  cannot  be  too  deeply  impressed  upon  the 
hearts  of  the  ambassador  of  Christ,  or  too  jealously  guard- 
ed by  the  Church  of  God,  since  the  archives  of  time  are 
burdened  with  the  sad  memorials  of  a  Christless  ministry 
— tell  to  all  succeeding  generations  tales  which,  on  the  score 
of  unholy  ambition,  moral  degeneracy,  and  heartless  bar- 
barity, stand  unsurpassed  ;  if,  indeed,  they  have  ever  been 
equalled  in  the  history  of  time.  All  of  which  ambition, 
moral  corruption,  and  fiendish  cruelty,  may  be  traced  to  a 
departure  from,  and  destitution  of,  the  principles  of  the 
Gospel,  and  personal  heartfelt  piety  ! 

No  one  quality  in  the  character  of  our  brother  was  more 
prominent  and  remarkable  than  his  deep  personal  and 
uniform  piety.  For  this  he  was  distinguished  among  his 
co-labourers,  and  revered  by  all  who  knew  him.  In  point 
of  intellectual  strength,  literary  attainments,  and  pulpit 
emciency,  he  was  not  regarded  as  pre-cmineut;  but  for 
religious  experience,  entire  devotion  to  God,  rapt  commu- 
nion with  tlic  "Father  of  spirits,"  he  was  surpassed  by 
none  and  equalled  by  but  few.  Whoever  associated  with, 
or  came  in  the  presence  of,  John  W.  Childs,  whether  in 
the  social  circle,  the  assembled  congregation,  or  the  Con- 
ference room,  was  impressed  with  an  idea  that  the  very  at- 
mosphere which  surrounded  him  was  impregnated  with  a 
spiritual  unction — that  God's  accredited  and  honoured 
representative  was  there.  If  I  may  be  allowed  the  use  of 
such  an  expression,  I  will  say,  that  his  devotional  spirit 
partook  of  such  an  ethereous  cast  as  rendered  it  almost 
unique.  So  firmly  had  he  bound  his  heart  to  the  throne 
of  God,  so  passionately  embraced  within  the  arms  of  his 
warmest  affections  the  superlative  excellences  of  the 
adorable  Redeemer,  that  he  seemed  to  live  above  the 
world  and  its  evanescent  concerns.  If  the  truth  could  be 
ascertained,  I  think  it  would  appear,  that  at  least  o)ie-third 
of  his  waking  hours  were  spent  upon  his  knees  before  God. 


280 


FUNERAL  SERMON  OF  THE 


Nor  were  his  devotions  the  mere  offerings  of  the  lips — a 
formal,  soulless  invocation  of  promised  good,  such  as  cha- 
racterizes the  approaches  of  the  formalist ;  but  they  were 
the  profound  breathings — the  intense  flowing  out  of  the 
heart;  the  wrestling  of  a  spirit  penetrated  with  an  ex- 
cruciating desire  after  entire  conformity  to  the  Divine 
will ;  a  contest,  in  which  the  strongest  energies  of  the  soul 
were  engaged — a  soul  animated  by  a  living  faith  :  which, 
resting  its  claims  on  the  atonement  of  the  Lamb,  and  un- 
dergirded  with  the  immutable  truth  of  the  covenant-keep- 
ing God,  seemed  to  breathe  forth  the  high  resolve — 

"Wrestling,  I  mill  tint  let  thee  go, 
Till  I  thy  name,  thy  nature  know." 

He  loved  to  pray  !  Prayer  was  the  choicest  employment 
of  his  heaven-aspiring  spirit — his  light,  his  life,  his  bliss. 
Through  this  consecrated  channel  he  was  wont  to  draw 
nigh  to  God,  to  penetrate  the  ranks  that  encircle  with  their 
blaze  the  throne,  to  catch  the  inspiration  which  awes,  ex- 
hilarates, and  entrances  the  "  first-born  sons  of  God,"  and 
"  obtain  grace  to  help  in  every  time  of  need."  Whoever 
looked  upon  him  while  in  audience  with  the  Deity,  can 
never  eradicate  from  his  mind  the  hallowed  impressions  of 
that  hour.  Nay,  memory  will  ever  and  anon  recur  to  the 
scene,  and  call  up  the  rapt  abstraction  of  the  spiritual 
wrestler.  Hence  the  secret  of  his  deep  piety  and  ministerial 
6delity — he  "  walked  with  God,"  and  was  sustained  by  the 
Divine  afflatus. 

Whenever  the  desire  spoken  of  in  the  text,  and  which 
is  felt  by  every  Gospel  minister,  is  kept  alive  by  that  ex- 
perimental enjoyment  of  God,  which  is  the  birthright  of 
every  child  of  heaven,  it  will  lead  the  minister  of  Christ 
to  look — 

2.  To  the  honour  and  exaltation  of  the  sacred  ministry. 
It  is  a  divine  and  holy  calling;  and,  in  point  of  true 
honour,  dignity,  responsibility,  and  usefulness,  has  no  equal 
in  the  world.  To  be  an  ambassador  for  God ;  an  agent 
whose  duty  is  to  negotiate  a  peace  between  heaven  and 
■;arth  ;  to  transact  business  which  connects  time  and  eter- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


281 


jaity ;  to  be  the  instrument  in  forming  a  moral  caste  that 
must  give  an  eternal  locality  to  the  occupants  of  time,  is 
an  office  at  once  the  most  exalted  and  onerous,  and  which 
extorted  from  an  inspired  Paul  the  inquiry,  "  Who  is  suf- 
ficient for  these  things  ?" 

Notwithstanding  the  impropriety  and  injustice  of  esti- 
mating the  intrinsic  excellences  of  religion  by  the  external 
deportment  of  its  professors  ;  still  the  major  part  of  man- 
kind do  and  will  continue  to  judge  of  its  qualities  by  its" 
living  exponents.  While  the  truth  of  this  remark  will  ap- 
ply to  professors  in  general,  it  is  essentially  applicable  to 
the  ministers  of  the  word.  They  are  expected  to  be  the 
lively  exemplars  of  that  heavenly-devised  system  which 
brings  "  glory  to  God  in  the  highest,"  and  diffuses  "  peace 
on  earth  and  good-will  to  men."  Hence,  if  they  fall  below 
the  standard  of  moral  purity  excited  by  the  Gospel,  and 
called  for  by  enlightened  public  opinion,  religion  suffers, 
and  the  ministerial  office  is  disparaged,  if,  indeed,  it  is  not 
contemned.  To  a  want  of  personal  religion,  a  proper  per- 
ception of,  and  concern  for,  the  dignity  of  the  ministerial 
office,  and  a  becoming  zeal  for  the  honour  and  exaltation 
of  the  same,  is  to  be  traced  the  horror  with  which  it  was 
regarded  in  the  days  of  the  Inquisition,  and  the  utter  con- 
tempt into  which  it  had  sunk  in  the  times  of  Charles  the 
Second.  (Macaulay's  History  of  England,  Vol.  I.,  pp. 
305-6-7.)  While  the  minister  of  the  Gospel  should  never 
seek  in  a  vitiated  public  opinion  the  standard  of  his  faith 
and  the  rule  of  his  conduct,  he  is,  nevertheless,  so  to  de- 
mean himself  as  to  acquire  a  "  good  report  from  them  that 
are  without."  A  stranger  alike  to  that  sycophantic  sup- 
pleness of  spirit  that  caters  to  public  applause,  and  that 
stupid  indifference  to  enlightened  moral  opinion,  which 
some  have  evinced,  it  should  be  his  study  and  delight  so 
to  "  magnify  his  office"  that  "the  ministry  be  not  blamed :" 
yea,  he  is  to  live  in  such  strict  conformity  to  the  revealed 
will  of  Jehovah  as  to  "  commend  himself  to  every  man's 
conscience  in  the  sight  of  God." 

While  the  messenger  of  the  Most  High  should  guard, 
with  uncompromising  vigilance,  the  dignity  and  honour  of 


282 


FUNERAL  SERMON  OF  THE 


his  office  by  throwing  around  it  a  sanctity  of  moral  purity, 
and  call  to  bis  aid  a  zeal  commensurate  witb  its  bigh  and 
holy  destiny,  he  should  be  equally  careful  to  separate  from 
it  that  unnatural  and  superstitious  reverence  with  which 
impostors  and  "  clerical  coxcombs"  have  striven  to  invest 
it.  Such  intruders  into  the  ministry  have  presumptuously 
and  blasphemously  set  themselves  "  up  as  a  single  caste 
of  mediators  between  God  and  man  j"  and  for  their  own 
elevation  and  venal  purposes  have  assayed  to  transmute 
the  simple  ordinances  of  the  church  into  infallible  channels 
of  grace  and  salvation,  and  "  bartered,  in  exchange  for 
works,  and  penances,  and  gold,  the  salvation  freely  given 
by  God."  A  course  of  conduct  so  plainly  antagonistic  to 
Scripture  warrant,  has  given  just  occasion  for  the  sneers 
and  reproaches  which  have  been  so  lavishly  bestowed  upon 
the  ministerial  office  by  the  carping  enemies  of  the  Gospel. 
The  true  minister  of  Christ  will  address  himself  to  the 
work  of  saving  his  office  from  the  blur  of  an  ungodly  life, 
on  the  one  hand,  and  an  impious  elevation  and  sickening 
exclusiveness  and  monopoly  on  the  other :  his  soul  will 
respond  to  the  poet's  description  of  what  a  pastor  should 
possess — ■ 

"  A  father's  tenderness  ;  a  shepherd's  care; 
A  leader's  courage,  which  the  cross  can  bear; 
A  ruler's  awe  ;  a  watchman's  wakeful  eye; 
A  pilot's  skill— the  helm  in  storms  to  ply ; 
A  fisher's  patience,  and  a  labourer's  toil; 
A  guide's  dexterity  to  disembroil ; 
A  prophet's  inspiration  from  above; 
A  teacher's  knowledge,  and  a  Saviour's  love." 

The  earliest  and  most  cherished  recollections  of  our  de- 
parted Brother  Childs  are  associated  with  the  ministerial 
office.  His  honoured  father  was  a  devoted  preacher  of 
the  Gospel ;  and,  after  spending  twenty  years  of  his  life 
as  an  itinerant  in  the  Baltimore  Conference,  fell,  like  his 
lamented  son,  on  the  field  of  battle,  with  his  armour  on. 
Being  thus  early  brought  into  intimate  connection  with 
God-fearing  and  holy  ministers,  and  growing  up  under  the 
influence  which  such  an  association  produced  on  piously- 
disposed  minds,  it  is  not  surprising  that  when  called  to 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


283 


that  office  himself  he  entertained  the  most  exalted  concep- 
tions of  its  dignity,  and  devoted  his  subsequent  life  to  the 
exaltation  of  the  same.  Believing  most  firmly  in  the  Di- 
vine inspiration  of  the  Bible — that  it  is  God's  own  book, 
a  "  transcript  of  the  Divine  mind,"  a  record  of  truth  and 
a  sacred  directory,  he  applied  himself  to  the  study  of  its 
pages,  with  the  purpose  of  conforming  his  life  to  the  re- 
quirements of  the  same.  It  was  from  this  source  of  hea- 
venly illumination  that  he  derived  his  portraiture  of  a 
Gospel  minister — learned  what  he  was  to  be  in  himself, 
and  to  the  church  and  the  world.  Here  he  ascertained 
that  in  his  personal  character  the  minister  must  be  "  blame- 
less" in  life  and  conversation ;  "  vigilant maintain  a 
watchful  care  over  himself  and  the  church  of  God;  be 
"  sober,"  serious,  and  grave ;  to  avoid,  on  the  one  hand, 
lightness  and  frivolity,  and,  on  the  other,  gloomy  morose- 
nesss ;  he  must  be  "  hospitable"  in  his  feelings  and  inter- 
course, avoiding  every  approach  to  that  habit  of  mind 
which  is  "  greedy  of  filthy  lucre,"  and  leads  to  "  a  love  of 
money,  the  root  of  all  evil ;"  that  he  is  to  be  no  "brawler," 
because  a  wrangling,  noisy  disposition  is  incompatible  with 
the  meekness  and  patience  necessary  to  the  "  man  of  God ;" 
"ruling  well  his  own  house,  having  his  children  in  subjec- 
tion," and  thereby  avoid  the  damnable  doctrine  of  priestly 
celibacy — "  forbidding  to  marry,"  as  set  forth  and  main- 
tained by  antichristian  Rome;  and  that  indifference  to, 
and  neglect  of,  parental  authority  and  discipline  which 
brought  shame  and  reproach  on  Eli  and  ruin  on  his  sons ; 
and,  in  order  to  meet  the  requirements  of  God  and  the 
wants  of  the  church,  he  should  not  "  entangle  himself  with 
the  affairs  of  this  life, '  by  entering  into  any  secular  em- 
ployment, whereby  his  mind  may  be  harassed  and  his  la- 
bours divided. 

But,  the  duties  of  the  ministry  are  not  circumscribed  by 
his  own  or  his  family's  interests,  for  they  are  also  of  a  relative 
character ;  and  hence  he  learned  that  he  should  "  study  to 
show  himself  approved  unto  God,  a  workman  that  needeth 
not  to  be  ashamed,  rightly  dividing  the  word  of  God" — 
be  "apt  to  teach."    Having  thus  drawn  from  the  treasury 


284 


FUNERAL  SERMON  OF  THE 


of  infallible  knowledge  and  instruction  the  standard  of 
ministerial  character,  he  addressed  himself  to  the  task  of 
filling  up  the  outline ;  and  I  appeal  to  his  brethren  in  the 
ministry  and  laity  to  testify  to  the  fidelity  with  which  he 
accomplished  the  work.  We  may  examine  his  life  from 
•  the  commencement  of  his  ministry  to  its  close,  and  assert, 
without  hesitation,  that  in  him  "the  ministry"  was  not 
justly  "blamed." 

Perhaps  I  may  be  allowed,  at  this  point,  to  allude  to 
his  private  habits.  Brother  Childs  loved  retirement.  The 
closet  or  the  silent  grove  were  sacred  retreats  to  him ;  for 
there  he  could  abstract  his  mind  from  the  world,  commune 
with  Jehovah,  and  study  his  holy  word.  This  love  of  se- 
clusion called  him  away  from  that  social  intercourse  with 
his  people  which  is  generally  expected  and  desired,  and 
which,  if  properly  regulated,  is  productive  of  good,  both  to 
the  minister  and  his  flock;  and,  in  consequence  of  his  habits 
of  retirement,  he  was  thought  by  many  to  be  too  much  of 
an  ascetic.  But,  when  we  learn  that  the  ordinary  conversa- 
tions of  the  world  had  no  charms  for  him ;  that  they  nei- 
ther imparted  light  to  his  mind  or  food  to  his  heart ;  that 
to  have  partaken  of  them  would  have  quenched  the  fire  of 
his  devotion  and  diverted  him  from  the  great  object  of  his 
life — entire  consecration  to  God,  we  may  find  in  his  con- 
scientious scruples  an  apology  for  his  apparently  unsociable 
manner  of  life ;  and  especially  when  we  remember  that  he 
invariably  left  behind  him  the  savour  of  a  good  name — 
an  impression  that  a  man  of  God  and  a  minister  of  the 
Gospel  of  peace  had  been  there  !  And  surely  this  wag 
worth  more  than  all  the  empty  and  not  unfrequently  am- 
biguous encomiums  on  the  social  and  convivial  qualities 
of  some  who  bear  the  name  of  ministers.  The  lamented 
Childs  honoured  the  calling,  and  strove  to  exalt  the  office 
of  the  ministry. 

The  motive  of  which  I  have  been  speaking  influences 
the  soul  of  the  faithful  minister, 

3.  With  an  intense  concern  for  the  success  of  the  Gospel. 
The  man  who  entertains  correct  views  of  the  Christian  re- 
velation, knows  that  it  "  was  not  intended  merely  or  mainly 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


'285 


to  gratify  the  intellectual  curiosity  and  enrich  the  mind  of 
man,  but  so  to  change  his  nature  and  reverse  his  moral  con- 
dition, as  to  establish  him  in  the  final  virtue  and  happiness 
of  heaven.  Nor  is  there  any  lack  of  evidence  to  demon- 
strate to  his  mind  the  moral  efficiency  of  the  Gospel  to  ef- 
fect these  legitimate  designs  of  the  Christian  dispensation. 
Nay,  for  "it  has  humbled  the  powerand  pretensions  of  every 
other  worship  to  the  dust — even  the  most  lofty  and  im- 
posing, sustained  by  the  lore  of  Greece  and  the  empire  of 
Rome."  While  the  power  and  success  of  the  Gospel,  which 
have  been  imperishably  epitaphed  on  the  demolished  fanes, 
fallen  altars,  mute  oracles,  and  disbanded  priesthood  of  an- 
tagonistic systems,  are  to  continue  a  portion  of  the  world's 
eventful  history,  and  the  safeguard  and  hope  of  all  succeed- 
ing generations,  still  the  grand  designs  of  the  Gospel  will 
not  be  accomplished  without  the  most  uncompromising 
fidelity,  indomitable  courage,  and  unwearied  efforts  of 
those  on  whom  God  has  condescended  to  place  the  honour 
of  being  under-lielpers  and  subordinate  agents  in  the  work 
of  human  salvation. 

To  the  eye  of  the  Christian  philanthropist,  and  especially 
to  the  divinely-appointed  minister,  the  world  is  tabled  out 
as'  a  vast  graveyard,  within  whose  walls  are  imprisoned 
millions  upon  millions  of  immortal  beings  of  all  ages  and 
classes,  who  are  infected  with  one  common  and  fatal  epi- 
demic, and  tending  with  the  rapidity  of  time  to  the  grave  ; 
while  just  beyond  the  yawning  tomb  glares  the  fiery  caldron 
of  judicial  wrath — the  "lake  that  burnetii  with  fire  and 
brimstone."  While  gazing  on  a  scene  so  tremendously 
awful — a  scene  the  reality  of  which  can  scarcely  be  pene- 
trated by  the  most  vivid  imagination — and  which  bids  de- 
fiance to  language  to  describe  its  shadow,  the  heart  is 
deeply  penetrated,  and  the  spirit,  imbued  with  that  love  that 
brought  the  Son  of  God  to  earth,  burns  with  heavenly  zeal 
to  make  known  "  the  Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God." 

That  the  Gospel  is  in  deed  and  in  truth  "  the  power  of 
God  unto  salvation  to  every  one  that  believeth,"  that  un- 
less this  be  believed  and  embraced  the  bitterness  of  endless 
death  will  be  the  doom  of  every  sentient  being,  are  facts 


286 


FUNERAL  SERMON  OF  THE 


■which  impress  themselves  upon  the  mind  with  a  force  that 
is  irresistible.  And  to  be  lost ! — to  "  linger  in  eternal  pain 
and  death  for  ever  and  aye" — to  be  "  banished  from  the 
presence  of  God  and  the  glory  of  his  power" — to  depart  ac- 
cursed, with  devils,  "  full  powerful  to  reason,  and  full 
mighty  to  suffer  !"  Who  can  bear  the  thought — look  upon 
such  a  prospect,  and  not  feel  the  very  deep  of  his  heart 
heave  with  unutterable  desire  to  open  the  prison  door,  and 
let  the  captives  go  free  ! 

The  inefficiency  of  all  other  expedients  to  reach  and 
remedy  the  dire  necessity  is  legibly  imprinted  on  the  ever- 
augmenting  guilt  and  accumulating  wretchedness  of  our 
race.  The  impotency  of  unaided  reason  to  devise  means 
for  the  relief  of  mankind,  and  the  glorious  adaptation  of 
the  Gospel  to  the  necessities  of  the  world,  and  its  sufficiency 
to  recover  the  lost,  are  clearly  set  forth  in  this  memorable 
statement  of  facts  made  by  Origen,  who  says — "  I  know 
of  but  one  Phredo  and  one  Polemon  throughout  all  Greece, 
who  ever  were  made  better  by  their  philosophy,  whereas 
Christianity  hath  brought  back  its  myriads  from  evil  to 
virtue."  Seeing,  therefore,  that  the  Gospel  is  the  great 
moral  panacea,  whose  curative  qualities  can  remove  the 
fearful  epidemic  under  which  our  race  are  pining  and 
dying,  the  true  minister  of  Christ  fervently  desires,  and 
patiently  labours  to  disseminate  it  throughout  the  world. 

No  one  acquainted  with  the  deceased,  will  question  his 
interest  in  the  matter.  The  facts  which  have  already  been 
given  touching  the  sacrifice  he  made  for  the  sake  of  the 
Gospel  are  sufficient  to  attest  the  truth  that  "  the  love  of 
Christ  constrained"  him ;  and  if  any  other  evidence  were 
needed,  I  might  appeal  with  confidence  to  his  wrestling 
spirit,  his  zeal  in  preaching  the  word,  and  the  fidelity 
with  which  he  warned,  entreated,  and  prayed  "  men  to  be 
reconciled  to  God."  Could  I  render  vocal  the  toneless 
rooms,  groves,  and  pulpits,  where  for  more  than  twenty 
years,  this  man  of  God  prayed,  wept,  and  preached,  they 
would  declare  that,  next  to  his  own  salvation,  he  longed 
and  laboured  for  the  success  of  the  Gospel  in  saving  souls. 
He  lived,  prayed,  and  toiled,  that  he  might  finish  his 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


287 


course  with  joy,  and  the  ministry  which  he  "received  of 
the  Lord  Jesus,  to  testify  the  Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God." 
Nor  did  he  strive  in  vain.  The  grace  he  implored  was 
given  ;  his  desire  to  witness  the  success  of  his  mission  was 
to  a  good  degree,  granted  him,  and  the  goal  has  been  tri- 
umphantly reached.  Earth  has  lost  a  faithful  ambassa- 
dor; the  church  a  burning  light;  his  family — name  them 
not !  'twere  vain  to  attempt  a  description  of  their  deep 
sorrow  and  irreparable  loss  :  but  heaven  has  received  and 
crowned  a  devoted  subject — he  has  "  entered  into  the  joy 
of  his  Lord." 

''Servant  of  God,  well  done! 
Rest  from  thy  loved  employ ; 
The  battle  fought,  tho  vict'ry  won, 
Enter  thy  Master's  joy." 

III.  That,  while  in  the  conscientious  discharge  of  .the 
duties  appertaining  to  his  office,  the  true  minister  is  not 
diverted  from  his  course  by  the  frowns  or  smiles  of  the 
world,  the  toils  and  privations  of  his  work,  and  the  dan- 
gers which  attend  upon  his  calling.  "None  of  these 
things  move  me ;  nor  do  I  count  my  life  dear  unto  me." 

It  must  not  be  supposed  that  the  high  resolve  uttered 
by  the  apostle  in  the  words  just  quoted,  is,  in  our  day,  a 
mere  ideality — the  dream  of  some  romantic  enthusiast; 
for,  while  it  is  admitted  that  open  opposition  to  tho  Gos- 
pel, and  violence  to  its  advocates,  have,  to  a  good  degree, 
passed  away,  still  they  have  numerous  and  powerful  ene- 
mies to  encounter,  and  untold  difficulties  to  overcome. 
The  sceptre  of  moral  revolt  that  once  waved  in  proud 
defiance  over  a  besotted  world,  though  pierced  and  torn, 
is  still  waving;  and  the  armies  of  the  "prince  of  the 
power  of  the  air,"  though  discomfited,  thinned,  and  broken, 
are,  nevertheless,  still  in  arms  against  the  "  King  of 
Zion,"  and  ready  to  be  employed  when,  where,  and  in 
whatever  way  their  wily  chief  may  desire.  With  these 
facts  in  view,  the  minister  of  Christ  knows — 

1.  That  the  world  despises  and  contemns  his  office,  tchile 
the  church  itself  places  too  low  an  estimate  on  the  sacred 


288 


FUNERAL  SERMON  OF  THE 


calling.  Always  watchful  over  the  welfare  of  his  disci- 
ples, and  vigilant  in  imparting  unto  them  all  the  instruc- 
tions which  they  were  capable  of  receiving,  that  they  might 
be  "  furnished  unto  every  good  work ;"  and  also  be  fore- 
warned of  the  dangers  which  they  would  necessarily  en- 
counter, we  hear  the  Master  admonish  the  apostles  as  fol- 
lows : — "  If  the  world  hate  you,  ye  know  that  it  hated  me 
before  it  hated  you." 

"  If  ye  were  of  the  world,  the  world  would  love  his 
own ;  but  because  ye  are  not  of  the  world,  but  I  have 
chosen  you  out  of  the  world,  therefore  the  world  hateth 
you."  (John  xv.  18,  19.)  Thus  warned,  they  are  sent 
forth  to  brave  the  hatred  and  persecution  of  the  world, 
and  the  undying  malignity  of  the  devil. 

The  nature  of  man  is  the  same  in  all  ages ;  for  he  is 
"  shapen  in  sin  and  conceived  in  iniquity."  The  seeming 
amity  of  the  world  towards  the  Gospel  and  its  advocates 
is  not  to  be  attributed  to  any  radical  change  in  the  nature 
of  man,  but  to  the  prevalence  and  power  of  religion,  and 
the  influences  of  education  and  the  pulpit.  While,  there- 
fore, that  deep  and  bitter  hostility  formerly  evinced 
towards  Jesus  Christ  and  his  kingdom  has  been  succeeded 
by  a  more  pacific  exterior,  we  must  not  forget  that  now, 
as  formerly,  "the  carnal  mind  is  enmity  against  God." 
Its  very  constitution  has  been  totally  perverted,  and  is,  in 
consequence  thereof,  the  very  opposite  of  what  it  should 
be,  and  what  religion  professes  to  make  it.  This  inappo- 
site state  of  the  human  heart  to  the  service  and  love  of 
God  is  the  real  secret  of  its  hatred  to  the  Gospel  and  its 
messengers,  and  hence  the  minister  should  not  be  sur- 
prised when  the  world  hates  him.  Indeed,  he  should 
esteem  it  an  evidence  of  piety  if  he  be  hated  by  the 
wicked ;  for  it  is  often  the  case  that  "  most  decided  evi- 
dence is  given  that  a  man  is  the  friend  of  God,  by  the  op- 
position excited  against  him  by  the  profane,  the  Sabbath- 
breaker,  and  the  desperate."  When,  therefore,  the  ser- 
vant of  God  encounters  the  dislike  and  persecution  of 
wicked  men,  he  should  not  think  strange  of  it,  since  it 
was  expressly  stipulated  for  iu  the  divine  warrant — 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


289 


"  Blessed  are  ye,  when  men  shall  revile  you,  and  perse- 
cute you,  and  shall  say  all  manner  of  evil  against  you, 
falsely  for  my  sake. 

"  Rejoice  and  be  exceeding  glad  :  for  great  is  your  re- 
ward in  heaven :  for  so  persecuted  they  the  prophets 
which  were  before  you."  (Matt.  v.  11,  12.) 

It  would  be  gratifying  to  the  feelings  of  your  speaker 
to  dismiss  this  feature  of  his  subject  with  the  foregoing 
reflections  on  a  state  of  things  clearly  revealed  by  God, 
and  anticipated  by  every  enlightened  minister,  without 
adverting  to  another  and  far  more  painful  and  humiliating 
topic ;  but  this  may  not  be  done,  and  however  painful  the 
task,  still  justice  to  the  subject  in  hand  demands  an  allu- 
sion to  the  fact,  that  the  church  {(self  places  too  low  an 
es(ima(e  on  the  office  and  services  of  its  ministers. 

That  there  are  many  in  the  church  who  entertain  pro- 
per affection  for,  and  evince  a  becoming  Christian  sympa- 
thy in  ministers  and  their  families,  I  most  readily,  and 
with  unfeigned  pleasure,  admit;  but  that  a  large  majority 
of  church  members  are  sadly  at  fault  in  these  things,  is 
most  clearly  and  shamefully  inscribed  on  the  meagre  pro- 
vision made  for  their  support;  the  failure  to  meet  the 
penurious  allowance ;  and  the  want  of  sympathy  for,  and 
interest  in,  themselves  and  families,  which  it  is  their  right 
to  expect,  and  a  burning  shame  and  crying  sin  in  the 
church  to  withhold. 

The  economy  of  other  churches  places  it  within  the 
power  of  their  ministers  to  provide  against  those  contin- 
gencies which  so  often  mar  the  happiness  and  augment 
the  sufferings  of  itinerants.  They  select  their  own  fields 
of  labour,  stipulate  for  a  sufficient  and  certain  support, 
and,  consequently,  are  not  subject  to  the  apathy  and 
penuriousness  of  an  indifferent  officiary,  who,  if  they  take  * 
any  steps  towards  providing  for  the  minister,  make  every 
tbep  with  the  most  rigid  adherence  to  the  least  possible  ex- 
pense. Not  so,  however,  with  our  ministers.  They  have 
no  choice  in  the  matter;  but  having  dedicated  themselves 
to  a  system  of  ministerial  operation  that  seeks  the  good 
of  the  whole  church,  they  must  go  where  the  Episcopacy 


290 


FUNERAL  SERMON  OF  THE 


directs,  whether  it  be  to  plenty  and  comfort,  or  to  want 
and  suffering.  Such  being  the  nature  of  our  economy, 
the  ministers  and  their  families  are  deserving  of,  and 
should  receive,  the  gushing  sympathies  of  the  entire  mem- 
bership, and  a  comfortable  independent  support  from  the 
church.  But  do  they  realize  them?  Let  every  district, 
circuit,  station,  and  member  answer  this  interrogatory. 

That  our  lamented  Childs  had  his  share  of  these  sad 
ingredients  in  an  itinerant's  life  is  but  reasonable  to 
suppose.  Such  deep  piety,  close,  faithful  preaching,  and 
pointed  denunciations  of  sin  as  characterized  his  life  and 
ministry,  could  not  but  excite  the  disrelish,  and  draw 
down  upon  him  the  contumely  and  persecution  of  the 
slaves  of  sin.  Yet  he  murmured  not,  but  patiently  en- 
dured all  for  the  sake  of  Christ  and  his  cause. 

Nor  was  he  a  stranger  to  that  criminal  indifference 
which  is  sometimes  evinced  by  certain  portions  of  the 
church.  This,  however,  was  not  the  case  with  all.  Nay, 
it  is  true  of  but  few  of  the  many  appointments  he  was 
called  to  fill.  To  the  most  of  them  he  and  his  faithful, 
but  now,  alas  !  heart-smitten  consort,  turned  with  delight, 
and  warmed  their  pilgrim  hearts  with  the  cherished  recol- 
lections of  reciprocal  affection — with  the  reminiscences  of 
other  days,  and  never-to-be-forgotteu  friends. 

I  take  leave  to  remark — 

2.  That  the  minister  of  Christ  receives  his  office  as  one  of 
toil  and  care. — If  we  were  to  form  an  opinion  of  the  min- 
isterial office  as  it  is  seen  in  national  establishments,  we 
might  conclude  that  it  is  a  post  of  ease,  honour,  and  emo- 
lument ;  but  when  we  turn  from  such  an  unscriptural  and 
unnatural  connection  and  perversion,  and  draw  our  type  of  a 
Gospel  ministry  from  the  word  of  God,  we  learn  that  it  is  a 
work  in  which  the  heart,  mind,  and  physical  energies  are 
all  laid  under  contribution,  and  often  taxed  to  their  utmost 
tension.  To  be  a  "  watchman  on  the  walls  of  Zion,"  charged 
with  the  solemn  duty  of  warning  men  of  their  danger — of 
convincing  them  of  sin,  righteousness,  and  judgment — of 
keeping  them  constantly  apprized  of  the  number,  adroit- 
ness, malignity,  and  power  of  their  foes — to  feel  the  respon- 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


291 


sibility  and  danger  of  his  position,  as  portrayed  by  the 
poet — 

9  The  myriad  foe,  in  close  array — come  on  to  try  their  might, 
A  night  assault — and  if  thy  trump  mistake  a  single  sound, 
I'll  hang  upon  these  battlements  the  watchman  on  his  round." 

Many  will  prompt  the  exclamation — "  Great  God  !  who, 
uncalled,  unbidden,  would  be  sent  a  watchman  I" 

But  this  office  implies  more,  for  the  minister  is  consti- 
tuted a  "  Shepherd  and  Overseer,"  and  has  committed  to 
him  the  task  of  "  feeding  the  flock  and  taking  the  oversight 
thereof."  To  discharge  the  multifarious  duties  of  such 
an  office  is  to  keep  constantly  employed  all  the  energies  of 
body  and  mind — to  labour  night  and  day  for  the  good  of 
souls. 

We  must  look  for  our  brother's  views  of  the  laborious 
duties  of  the  ministry,  as  they  were  exhibited  in  his  life. 
He  was  no  laggard  in  the  vineyard  of  our  Lord  :  no  "  hire- 
ling" in  the  Church  of  God.  In  preaching  the  word,  he  was 
"  instant  in  season,  out  of  season."  Personal  ease  and 
worldly  comfort  formed  no  part  of  the  plan  of  his  opera- 
tions. "  Onward  !"  was  his  watchword  ;  and  in  sunshine  or 
in  rain,  in  the  heat  of  summer,  or  the  piercing  cold  of  winter, 
in  health  and  debility,  by  night  and  by  day,  he  was  found 
on  the  watchtower  of  Zion  :  and  his  "  trump  mistook  not 
a  single  sound,"  but,  truth,  fidelity,  and  perseverance  cha- 
racterized his  rounds  on  the  battlements"  from  1827,  when 
he  became  a  "  watchman,"  until  1850,  when  he  was  called 
to  quit  his  post  of  trust,  and  take  his  position  among  those 
bright  exemplars  of  Christian  purity  and  elevation  who, 
after  imprinting  the  halo  of  their  examples  upon  the  scene 
of  the  contest,  stand  in  the  presence,  and  attend  upon  the 
person  of  the  u  Captain  of  their  salvation."  In  that  bright 
and  honoured  company,  John  Wesley  Childs  is  now  en- 
rolled. 

I  take  leave  to  say — ■ 

3.  That  the  work  of  the  ministry  is  one  of  danger. — 
When  I  allude  to  the  dangers  that  attend  the  preaching  of 
the  Gospel,  it  must  not  be  imagined  that  I  wish  to  class 
them  with  those  encountered  by  the  early  ambassadors  of 


292 


FUNERAL  SERMON  OF  THE 


God.  They  lived  in  remarkable  times — were  called  to  a 
work  peculiar  in  itself  and  unique  to  the  world,  and  in 
consequence  thereof,  were  doomed  to  extraordinary  trials 
and  constant  exposure.  These  times,  however,  have 
passed,  and  the  events  which  rendered  them  unusual  have 
also  disappeared.  While  these  things  will  be  admitted, 
still  we  are  not  to  conclude  that  the  work  of  the  ministry 
is  without  danger;  true,  these  grow  out  of  natural  causes, 
still  they  are  real,  and  in  some  instance  formidable.  Hence 
Dr.  Clarke  remarks  that  he  who  attends  faithfully  to  the 
works  of  the  Master  "  must  sooner  or  later  fall  a  martyr 
to  his  work."  That  many  have  thus  fallen  is  a  matter  of 
history,  and  that  many  more  will  do  so  is  almost  certain. 

As  has  been  stated,  the  itinerant  system  adopted  and 
carried  out  by  our  church,  subjects  our  ministers  to  every 
variety  of  climate  and  mode  of  living ;  and  these  changes 
have  their  influence  on  their  constitutions  and  health.  The 
man  who  this  year  inhales  the  salubrious  bracing  air  of 
our  mountain  country,  may,  the  very  next,  encounter  the 
miasma  generated  and  exhaled  by  the  swamps  and  bogs 
of  lower  Virginia  and  North  Carolina  •  while  he  who  to- 
day reposes  on  the  downy  bed  and  shares  the  luxuries  of 
the  rich,  may  to-morrow  sleep  in  the  log  cabin,  and  share 
the  not  less  hospitable  yet  entirely  different  fare  of  the 
poor.  In  addition  to  these,  the  constant  exposure  to  all 
kinds  of  weather,  and  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  contributes 
its  influence  to  bring  on  premature  age  and  infirmity,  or, 
indeed,  death  itself.  Yet  he  who  is  impelled  onward  in 
his  high  calling,  by  the  love  of  Christ  and  the  souls  of  meD, 
is  not  diverted  from  his  course  by  these  difficulties,  be  they 
many  or  few ;  aye,  were  they  a  hundred  times  more, 
still  the  language  of  his  heart  would  be — "  None  of  these 
things  move  me,  neither  count  I  my  life  dear  unto  myself, 
so  that  I  might  finish  my  course  with  joy  :  the  miuistry 
which  I  have  received  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  to  testify  the 
Gospel  of  the  grace  of  God."  Far  above  the  clouds  that 
hang  over  the  pathway  of  life,  looms  up  "  the  day-star  of 
glory,"  whose  enchanting  brilliancy  so  captivates  his  spirit, 
as  to  render  him,  in  some  good  degree,  indifferent  to  his 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


293 


toils  and  sufferings — makes  him  exclaim  with  the  apostle — 
"  Yea,  doubtless,  and  I  count  all  things  but  loss,  for  the 
excellency  of  the  knowledge  of  Christ  Jesus  my  Lord." 

I  need  not  inform  you  that  our  desceased  brother  ex- 
perienced his  share  of  the  dangers  above  alluded  to,  and 
realized  their  effects  upon  his  constitution  and  health. 
But  it  was  what  he  expected  when  he  entered  upon  his 
work.  The  school  in  which  he  had  been  trained  was  a 
practical  commentary  on  the  vicissitudes  of  itineracy  ;  and 
consequently  he  was  prepared  to  expect  not  only  incessant 
toil,  but  constant  exposure  to  disease  and  death.  Yet  he 
was  not  "  moved"  because  dangers,  ever  and  anon,  cast 
their  shadows  over  his  prospects;  and  that  he  did  not 
"  count  his  life  dear  unto  himself"  is  demonstrated  by  the 
fact  that  from  A.  D.  1827  to  1850  he  was  entirely  engaged 
in  preaching  the  Gospel. 

The  last  appointment  he  received  was  the  Gloucester 
circuit.  Several  circumstances  conspired  to  render  that  ap- 
pointment peculiarly  trying  to  our  brother;  and  these,  when 
rightly  considered,  will  serve  to  exhibit  the  strength  of 
his  purpose  and  the  self-sacrificing  spirit  with  which  he 
prosecuted  his  arduous  duties.  It  is  a  low  circuit,  and  by 
many  considered  unhealthy ;  he  had  never  travelled  in  the 
low-country  since  his  marriage  ;  and  as  his  family  had  suf- 
fered much  the  past  year  on  Brunswick  circuit,  he  had  cause 
to  fear  that  the  change  would  be  prejudicial  to  their  health. 
Alluding  to  this  subject  in  his  letter  to  his  sister-in-law,  he 
said  :  u  I  know  not  whether  our  appointment  will  be  a  pro- 
fitable one  or  not.  I  trust  I  had  no  hand  in  it,  therefore 
I  feel  the  more  resigned  to  Divine  Providence."  There 
was  no  parsonage  on  the  circuit,  and  that  to  a  man  with 
a  wife  and  six  children  was  no  small  difficulty,  especially 
when  it  is  known  how  indifferent  many  of  our  churches 
.are  in  renting  parsonages  for  our  ministers.  That  his  mind 
was  troubled  on  this  point  will  appear  from  the  same  let- 
ter, where  he  remarks  :  "There  is  no  parsonage  on  the  cir- 
cuit, and  I  cannot  tell  what  difficulties  may  be  in  our  way, 
but  we  trust  the  Lord  will  provide,  and  that  all  things  will 
work  together  for  our  good ;"  and,  before  starting  to  his 

25* 


294 


FUNERAL  SERMON  OF  THE 


circuit,  after  a  season  of  unusual  wrestling  with  God,  he 
said  to  his  wife  that  he  was  impressed  with  the  belief  that 
he  should  not  live  long.  Hence,  it  is  more  than  likely,  in 
starting  for  his  field  of  labour,  he  felt  as  if  he  was  going 
to  his  grave.  This  impression  may  have  called  forth  the 
finest  desire  in  his  letter — "I  long  for  holiness,  for  purity; 
it  is  this  that  I  pant  after  more  than  for  gold  or  silver,  or 
the  cattle  on  a  thousand  hills.  *  *  *  *  Oh,  had  we  the 
spirit  of  Charles  Wesley  when  he  sang 

'  Welcome  alike  the  cross  or  crown.' " 

In  nearing  the  heavenly  world  he  made  frequent  and 
careful  observations ;  and  whenever  the  report  was  demand- 
ed, it  was  always  apparent  that  his  bearings  had  been  cor- 
rect. In  consequence  thereof,  his  destination  was  certain — 
the  haven  of  repose,  illumined  with  the  radiance  of  immor- 
tality, was  just  before  him,  while  celestial  spirits  whispered 
him  away. 

He  was  an  affectionate  husband  and  father,  and  those 
dear  ties  entwined  themselves  about  his  heart  with  a 
strength  and  firmness  that  were  exceedingly  difficult  to 
break  and  unloose ;  still  the  sacrifice  was  demanded,  and 
grace  ultimately  triumphed  over  the  promptings  of  nature. 
To  his  wife — the  faithful  sharer  of  his  weal  and  woe — he 
addressed  words  of  comfort  and  encouragement — "  Trust 
in  God,"  said  he,  "  and  he  will  take  care  of  you  and  our 
children."  In  vain  did  this  cold,  selfish,  grinding  world 
array  itself  against  his  reliance  in  God's  faithfulness,  for 
with  unwavering  faith  he  declared — "I  have  entire  con- 
fidence in  God,  who  will  not  suffer  you  and  our  little  ones 
to  want."  To  the  church,  at  wJwse  altar  he  ministered  for 
twenty-three  years,  he  has  committed  these  loved  and  help- 
less ones!  And  may  she  see  to  it  that  the  trust  be  not  abused! 

A  short  time  before  he  departed  to  his  long-sought  home, 
our  sister  Childs  said  to  him,  "  Husband,  have  you  no 
word  of  advice  and  comfort  to  leave  me  and  our  children?" 
Looking  steadily  in  her  face,  he  said,  with  much  feeling  and 
energy — "  MY  LIFE — what  more  can  I  say  ?"  It  was 
enough  !    Yes,  the  life  of  John  W.  Childs  is  the  best 


REV.  JOHN  WESLEY  CHILDS. 


295 


advice,  and  the  surest  comfort,  that  can  be  addressed  to 
wife,  children,  brethren,  and  the  world;  and  the  richest 
encomium  that  can  be  offered  to  his  character.  For  a  life 
thus  spent  on  earth,  shall  be  retoarded  in  heaven. 

And  now  may  the  richest  blessings  of  a  covenant-keep- 
ing God  descend  upon  and  ever  abide  with  his  family;  and 
the  mantle  of  his  piety  and  zeal  rest  on  us,  his  fellow 
labourers,  for  Christ's  sake  !  Amen. 


THE  END. 


STEREOTYPED  BY  L.  JOHNSON  &  CO. 
PHILADELPHIA. 


Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Libraries 


1  1012  01157  1710 


